Trick-or-Treat?!!? Who should you look like this year? (10-28-2007)

I have always found Halloween to be an interesting holiday. For starters it gets far less mainstream controversy than, say, Christmas; but it is in fact one of the most exclusively Catholic days to celebrate. I say Catholic rather than Christian because our Protestant brothers and sisters do not believe in praying for the dead like us Catholics. Halloween is the feast of All Saints day, and for me, this is where the controversy lies. As I talk to other Catholics and friends whom I hold in high regard, I have received a wide variety of opinions on the subject of All Hallows Eve. I grew up in a family where trick or treating was the norm and every year we had to think up a new and more inventive costume. My all time favorite is still the ninja outfit that we made. Good times, good times. Anyway, I only bring this up because I was talking to someone who was shocked that I would ever partake in such evil pseudo-satanic activity as trick-or-treating. After getting a dictionary and finding out what pseudo-satanic meant, I was quite puzzled about the outburst. I didn’t really see anything wrong with trick-or-treating let alone anything down right evil. Needless to say my humble and innocent opinion is not shared by all. After some rational discussion with others who are anti- trick-or-treating, I have come to understand and respect their views. They see trick-or-treating as something not only unhealthy, but also disrespectful to the true meaning of the holiday. All Saints day should be a day to honor and remember all the Saints in Heaven, not run around in a goblin or devil outfit. This is true. Thus I now suggest this compromise. Dress up as your favorite Saint this year when you go trick-or-treating. Chances are people are going to ask you about your costume and you will have a chance to share a bit about your saint with them. If this doesn’t work for you, you can always do what I do, wait until all the candy goes on sale on All Saints Day and go stock up .

Chastity Speaker: Catherine A. Walsh has been sharing her love of her Catholic faith with youth for the past 17 years. She has spoken on many topics in a variety of different settings, but has always felt that God was calling her to do more. Realizing that it was her own lack of courage that was keeping her from doing God’s will in her life, she has recently set out to complete a book for young women on self esteem and chastity. She has also begun a public speaking career with a focus on involving God in our daily decision making process, particularly when it comes to our relationships and chastity. Vans will be available after Mass to go to this event.