On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
When I was practicing another religion, I was told Catholics hate Halloween. Now that I’m back, I’m wondering if I’ll get into trouble if I go
to a Halloween costume party.
Well, most likely not with the Church, anyway. Halloween has a couple of different origins–one as ancient Celtic new year’s eve, and the Catholic evening before what we now call the Solemnity of All Saints (once called All Hallows, as in hallowed people, and hence Hallows’ Eve).
You can rest easy about a need to go to confession if you carve a pumpkin, give out candy to the neighbor kids, and the like. There’s also no prohibition on wearing costumes; just stay within the bounds of good taste. (I mean, really, is a costume that denigrates a political character or diminishes a celebrity who’s been robbed really necessary?) Avoid the same behavior you attempt to avoid the other days of the year, like gluttony and lust, and enjoy the party.
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