Catholics and celebrating Halloween

Catholics: It's ok to celebrate Halloween; you can even say "trick or treat"

Seasonal Features
Halloween



Celebrating Halloween, All Saints

Days observed and celebrated by secular society can connect to important faith-related concepts for children and families. In excerpts from Celebrating Saints and Seasons, author Jeanne Hunt suggests ways parents and teachers can make Halloween and All Saints Day come alive for children in faith-filled and fun experiences.

Halloween’s Christian Roots

When you think of Halloween, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, Halloween has become synonymous with candy, costumes, scary stuff, witches, ghosts and pumpkins. But do you know the Christian connection to the holiday?

Catholics and Halloween

How can Catholics celebrate Halloween in the context of their Christian faith? Listen to American Catholic Radio to find out.

• ACR #06-44: How Catholics should take back “holy” Halloween and use it as a time of evangelization.
  Click here to listen online.
  
• ACR #07-44: Suggestions for celebrating Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day with a spiritual twist.
  Click here to listen online.

The Tale of Jack O’ Lantern

Why do we carve pumpkins for Halloween? Read a story from Catholic Update that explains the origin of this yearly tradition.

Witches, Ghosts and Magic: What Catholics Believe

What are Catholics to think about the devil, exorcism, psychic hotlines, fortune tellers, ESP, ghosts and magic in the light of current Church teaching? Curiosity about the supernatural is normal especially for teenagers during Halloween but is it “of the devil” as some Christians claim?

How Halloween Can Be Redeemed

How can Catholics keep All Hallows Eve from becoming “hollow”? Celebrate Halloween and All Saints Day while remembering both the Christian connection to Halloween and the positive messages that stem from the holiday.