Got the old computer fired up, managed to log in, email's up too. I may still be scarce this week, though, because I might attempt sewing a Halloween costume for Hambet (fireman) although I'm not sure what we're going to do with our little fireman once he's got his gear on. Probably the usual: take pictures for the relatives, wait around for trick-or-treaters, realize around 8:30 that none are going to come, feast on the candy ourselves.
Pansy and Peony: The Two Sleepy Mommies
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The Anchoress
Apologia
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Mark Shea
The Curt Jester
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Erik's Rants and Recipes
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more last than star
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BTW - What do Catholic parents do for Halloween? Rather, what are Catholic parents supposed to do with their children for Halloween?
HOORAY! I would miss you so much Peony!!
Smockmomma,
I never heard any "official" teaching as what to do for Halloween, but unofficially, if we do not have an All Saint's Party to attend, we dress the kids up as something "fun", nothing demonic or evil and go Trick of Treating. I have asked a number of priests I consider orthodox, and that has been the advice I have gotten.
Yes, there is no "official" this-is-what-Catholics-do-for-Halloween teaching -- this is where we're supposed to do the ol' prudence thing. I personally think that it's possible to worry excessively about the supposed pagan roots of Halloween and forget about its roots in Catholic cultures (including costumes, which may come from "Danse macabre" masques.)
I think a saints-themed Halloween party sounds like an ideal way to celebrate (candy, dress-up, and a focus on what Halloween actually is) but we didn't get an invite to a party, so there it is.
Our Church is having an All Saints Carnival, complete with biblically themed games. The coordinator for perpetual adoration is bringing kids to the chapel to say a prayer for deceased relatives, and they might be bringing the tradition of Soul Cakes back (the origin of trick or treating). I think the point is to focus on the Hallow of Hallowe'en. It's kind of a Mardi Gras for the All Saints/All Souls observance and can get out of hand in the same way but can also be fun and enlightening when used right.
Not that I'm taking part in this thing. My little one is only four months old, is being dressed up as a garden slug (long story on that one) and will be attending a ghost story party in the spirit of the tales told by Romantics Percy and Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. Polidori. I've concocted a spiritual thriller about a Catholic Mom whose son is under special watch by Angels. (Not the Touched by An Angel kind, the "Fear Not!" kind.) Spiritual warfare, theological explication, animated pumpkins, that sort of thing.