Customer Reviews

The Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the kind of book that helps newly converted catholics to establish new family traditions. The book covers all the biggest feasts plus several minor feasts giving suggestions for prayers, tips for the kids, recipes.

Of course this isn't a perfect book: some of the "traditions" seem to be rather strage and unfamiliar to everyone. But many of them are really nice ideas - at least I will have use of them even though I'm not a convert.

Actually there were only two faults: a wider range of customs could have been presented. It would have given the reader a choice. If the reader is really creating a catholic family, a wider range of choices would be needed. The authors have also neglected the real everyday life with no festivities, devotional nook suggestions alone I find too little.

But yes, well worth buying!

As a convert, I am fascinated by Catholic culture and strive to incorporate into my life those "little things" that make Catholic life different from everybody else's life. This book is a real resource of ideas for religious practices that will make God part of all your life, not just one hour a week on Sundays.

It lists lots of ideas of what you and your family can do on the holidays, feast days and special occasions. The book also includes specific recipes for that hoilday, the book lists prayers that every Catholic should know such as the Hail Mary and Our Father. The book also talks about important saints in our Catholic history.

Although I am sure the author is well meaning I found some problems with the book

1) Citations : Although devotions like the rosary do not need citations claiming historical traditions about the Catholic church do.
2) A good portion of the book focuses on the liturgical calendar which is good however it states the obvious about for example on the feast of the Guardian angels it suggests that we pray to our guardian angel.
3) Intercessory prayer, or keeping a spiritual journal where not the idea of traditions I was looking for. These are normal aspects to the spiritual life.
4) On the books section on the Sabbath it goes into great lengths describing how a Catholic family can perform a Jewish ritual. This should be offensive to both Catholics and Jews and to perform a Jewish ritual would be a sin against the 1st commandment. For this one reason I would give the book one star as it could be harmful to peoples faith. For more details on why Catholics are not allowed to perform Jewish ritual please listen to this homily [...]

This is a very good book if you want new and/or fun ways to experience your Catholic faith.