One of my AS contact has asked me to consider having the boxes I send to him & his troops to be blessed by a Catholic priest prior to mailing them.  I will of course do this.

I have called a local Catholic church and the priest is more than happy to do this for me.

Not being Catholic myself, I have a few questions.  Do I need to make an offering to the church or priest?  Do I need to be dressed a certain way to go into the church? 

The only times I have been in a Catholic church is for weddings and funerals and I just do not want to do anything offensive.

Best,

Just spoke to one of my Catholic employees.  She states that a donation is not necessary but if you want to do so as a kind gesture that is okay.  Perhaps a small donation in the soldiers' names but again not necessary.  Also, she states you don't need to be dressed a certain way.  Perhaps dressy-casual at the least.  She would not wear shorts or the like.  Some do, but that, again is her preference.  Shows more respect, she says.

Hope this helps.

 Krewe,

Thanks that helps. My appointment with priest is after work which includes suit/skirt/semi-pro work clothes.  No shorts here it is too stinking cold!

Best,

You shouldn't have any problems. I've found all faiths forgiving of mistakes and it's not like you are crashing into the middle of a formal service. They are likely thankful you are going this extra mile for a stranger! Thanks for doing so.

Thanks, Mom

LOL......wish we had your weather!  Probably hit 90 today!

Dear Susan,

Wow....how interesting that he would ask that.    I was raised Catholic and we bless everything.    We have any religious item we wear (crosses and the like) blessed, I even had my house blessed, many people here have their boats blessed (it even has a name....The Blessing of the Fleet).    You might ask the priest if he has anything special he might like to include in this soldiers package........esp. since he requested it to be blessed.   Maybe the priest can give you a blessed set of rosaries or a special prayer book and you can let your contact know where it came from.    Have a blessed and wonderful day....

Love peace and blessings.........Anne Marie

You could also ask that a mass be offered especially for the soldier and his trooops.  They have cards that you can fill in and send with the date and time.

Vicki

You might also ask if it would be possible to get a small vial of Holy Water to include in the package.

Debbie

Wow... cool!  If you haven't gone already, you should know that they general do anticipate a donation when you "purchase" a mass card (I think $10 if memory serves...) (though you certainly don't need to make a donation to have the package blessed), and if that is something you might be interested in doing, what an absolutely wonderful gesture.  I second the suggestion, I'm sure it would mean so much.  Check to see if they list who the mass is in the name of in their weekly bulletin (you make have to request a weekend mass for this-double check)... although it may be a few weeks or months down the line depending on how large/active a parish it is, it would be a great follow-up to pick up a copy of that Sunday's bulletin with his name/their group name in it and send it to them.  Catholic Church bulletins are very reminiscent for Catholics in general and would make a warm reminder of home, especially to see themselves mentioned in it.  :)  Great idea.

(by the way, OT, but LOVE your new picture, Susan!!! Gorgeous!)

 Thanks for the help everyone!  Now I do not feel so ignorant of Catholic traditions. 

I am on the list to have a Mass recited in our AS soldiers' name in early January 2009.

Best,

Hey Susan,

How wonderful for you to have given your contact his request to have the packages you send to them Blessed by a Catholic priest.  Being a Catholic myself, I can't express to you the feeling that you went out of your way to have this done.  Your packages will mean the "world" to them.  To have them blessed before sending........priceless.  I know these guys will always keep you and yours in their prayers.

What a wonderful "gift" you have given these guys.  Thank you.

Mimi