Lighted candles, crosses, holy water, incense—all these items add to our sense of the sacred. They are called sacramentals. There are three types of sacramentals: prayerful actions or rituals; prayerful blessings; and blessed objects. Send home copies of Sacramentals: The Church’s Gift to Our Spirituality and challenge the children and their families to list the sacramentals that inspire and enhance their spirituality. Remind the children that they likely have sacramentals in their homes (e.g., rosaries, saints’ medals) as well as in their parish church. Ask them: Which of these sacramentals helps you to pray and listen to God’s Word?
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