As a Catholic youth minister, I would gather students together each year around Halloween to ask any “scary question” they had about church teachings. While we didn’t limit the topics, we encouraged discussion about Halloween. Every year the questions were surprisingly insightful—and challenging! But fortunately the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church provide wisdom and direction to help us navigate this festive season. Here’s a small sampling:
Catholics and Halloween
As Catholics, should we participate in Halloween events? Costume parties? Scary movies?
Halloween, the Evening of All Hallows, was once a time for Christians to mock the devil by reveling in the triumph of Jesus Christ over evil and death. It actually started out as a Christian holiday!
It dates back to the 7th century when Pope Boniface IV set aside a day to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and all Christian martyrs. In the 8th century, the date was moved to November 1st when it became a holy day to commemorate all saints: All Saints Day!
All Hallows Eve is the evening before this holy day – which is how Halloween was born. November 2nd is now All Souls Day, a day to remember all the dearly departed.
Ideally, we should celebrate Halloween as a day to remember Christ’s victory over death – and remember our saints. We should always strive to be holy, so instead of watching a horror movie (that essentially revels in evil), we could read scripture or take the time to learn more about a saint (actions which will draw us closer to Christ).
Ultimately we should get back to the roots of this holiday and rejoice in joy, because Jesus Christ conquers all evil and even death itself:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
After Death
What happens to us when we die?
“Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
Death is the conclusion of our time on earth. To rise with Christ, we must also die with Christ. Death is the first of the “Four Last Things” taught by the Catholic Church: Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell.
Following death, we face judgment on how we’ve lived our life in Christ. We choose, through how well we’ve lived the gospel, whether we will go to heaven or to hell. God wishes us to join Him in heaven. His mercy is endless, and He will always provide a way back to Him. (To learn more, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1021-1060.)
In the simplest terms, we are judged on how well we’ve followed Christ’s teaching to “Love one another” (John 13:34-35). As St. John of the Cross said, “At the evening of our life, we shall be judged on our love.”
Ghosts and Hauntings
Are ghosts real? Can a house be haunted?
In movies and television shows, ghosts are often portrayed as souls who have become misplaced on earth after death. But the church teaches us that we all go to heaven or hell after our individual judgment is complete. So “ghosts” in this definition is not consistent with church teaching.
However, the church does believe in evil spirits. When a house or building is taken over by an evil spirit, it’s called an infestation. When a person is taken over by an evil spirit, it’s called a possession.
In the Gospels, we read about how Jesus expunged demons. In Matthew 8:28-34, Jesus drives demons out of two demon-possessed men and into a herd of swine, which then rushes into the sea and drowns.
The church warns us not to attempt to contact a “ghost” since we could actually be inviting an evil spirit into our lives. As Catholics we are to reject any and all efforts of conjuring them up or communicating with them. This includes Ouija boards, séances, and any attempt to “unveil” the future, such as horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, clairvoyance, and mediums.
However, we can ask the saints to pray for us. This form of intercessory prayer is permissible, even encouraged. This type of prayer is supported by scripture:
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp,and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)
A saint is recognized by the church, but your departed loved one may also be a saint (just not recognized by the church). So you could ask them to pray for you too!
Exorcisms
Do Exorcisms Still Happen Today?
In a word, yes. Exorcism is a rite used to expel demons from a person or place, just as Jesus did in the gospels. Though rare, exorcisms are still conducted today.
The local bishop must authorize an exorcism before it can be conducted. This will not happen until psychiatrists and/or medical doctors have ruled out any logical explanation for the person’s behavior.
Every diocese typically has one priest who is assigned to perform exorcisms, but any priest can do more basic practices such as house blessings which is often enough to remove lurking spirits.
The church doesn’t make a big deal about exorcisms, because it’s not something people should dwell upon. We are called instead to focus on Christ and His gospel:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2)
A Final Thought
The Catholic Church teaches that the devil can only influence the body and the physical world. He has no power whatsoever over the soul, especially free will. In short, the devil can’t force you to sin against your will. Your best defense against evil is a healthy spiritual life involving scripture, prayer, partaking in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receiving the Eucharist.
Whenever you feel under attack by sin or evil forces, this prayer is a great place to start:
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
