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Q) Why do Catholics place religious images in their homes?

A) Religious images in homes remind us of several important spiritual truths: We are surrounded by the saints, who are interceding for us and encouraging us. What is more, we are called to imitate them in our service of God and neighbor, and in particular our service of the poor. The images can also provide us comfort, as they remind us of the goodness of God made manifest through the lives of those we love and admire. It’s also important to remember that blessed images have great spiritual power, and when used appropriately, are effective in warding off the demonic. This last point should not lead to superstition. For a blessed cross or image of Mary to “work” in this regard, it is not enough to just look at it. We must conform our lives to it. A good confession, sacrificial alms, lives of service and mercy — these will always be the primary means of safeguarding oneself against the Enemy.

Q) Why does the Church offer Masses on Saturday evening, if it’s not yet Sunday?

A) The Church celebrates solemnities according to the laws of the Jewish Sabbath, which begins at nightfall of the previous day. Because nightfall changes with the seasons, the Church in the U.S. has generally considered 4 p.m. to be the start of “nightfall,” though of course in the summertime this is a little less compelling than on, say, Jan. 5. As I understand it, when Saturday Vigil Masses were first being introduced here in the States, which was a relatively recent phenomenon as far as the Church goes, it was primarily to accommodate those who had to work on Sundays as health care professionals, or shopkeepers who needed to work to put food on the table of their families.

Saturday Vigil Masses are now among the most popular weekend Masses in many parishes. But one thing to remember is that attendance at Mass is not the only way to honor the Sabbath, necessary as it may be. Even if we have attended Mass on Saturday evening, we should still try to make Sunday a holy day, different than other days. We can do this through volunteer service, a good meal with family or friends, or some quiet time reading. And perhaps, if it is an especially holy Sunday, celebrating a Vikings win.

Father Erickson is pastor of Transfiguration in Oakdale. Send your questions to [email protected] with “Why Do Catholics Do That?” in the subject line.