Instruments of Grace

According to the Catechism, “Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the Sacraments & sanctify different circumstances in life” - CCC 1677

Sacramentals are:

✝️Instruments of grace

✝️Extensions of the 7 sacraments

✝️Used to enrich our spiritual life

✝️Used to praise God & work toward our sanctification

Should:

✝️Help unite us to Christ

Sacramentals are NOT:

❌Magic

❌Charms

❌To be used superstitiously

Should NOT:

❌Distract us from God

Three common Sacramentals found in the home are Holy Water, Blessed Salt & Crucifixes but as Pope Paul IV stated in his Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, there is hardly any

material thing, when used properly which cannot be used to praise God & work toward our sanctification. Sacramentals can also be immaterial, like the Sign of the Cross

“Sacramentals, by their very voluntariness, their apparent status as extras, can supply the externals that make the Catholic way of life singular and outstanding.” - Regina Doman

At Hartland Cottage Co. our mission is to continue the work of the Holy Spirit to rekindle the longing to participate "intelligently and actively" in the use of sacramentals by the laity.

I am a cradle Catholic, (well almost, I was baptized at 5 along with my infant brother) having been raised in the faith from a very young age, yet it wasn't until I reached my 30s that I discovered blessed salt. This realization came as quite a surprise to me, especially considering the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church that I had been surrounded by throughout my upbringing. It's rather unfortunate that it took me so long to learn about such a beautiful sacramental, and I find myself reflecting on the reasons behind this delay.

Perhaps I can attribute it to the somewhat lackluster catechesis I received during my time at Catholic school, where the focus was more on the basics of doctrine rather than the deeper, more mystical aspects of our faith, which I believe isn't entirely unique & a shame. So much of the "institutionalized" teaching stops once a child is confirmed & additionally many approach children with things like "texting with God" instead of inviting them into the deep, beautiful traditions of the Church that have long made saints!

As I engage with other members of the Catholic community, I frequently encounter many good and faithful Catholics who, like me, are unaware of the existence and importance of blessed salt. It is astonishing to realize that this simple yet profound sacramental is often overlooked, despite its foundational role in the process of creating holy water. Blessed salt serves not only as a powerful reminder of God's grace but also as a tangible connection to the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations within the Church. Recognizing this gap in knowledge and understanding has ignited a passion within me to share the beauty and significance of holy sacramentals with everyone I meet. It has become my mission in life to educate others about these sacred elements that the Church offers us, emphasizing their importance in our spiritual lives. I believe that by introducing people to the wonders of blessed salt, holy water, and other sacramentals, I can help foster a deeper appreciation for the faith and encourage a more vibrant practice of traditions, love of Christ & expanded evangelization. Through this journey of discovery and sharing, I hope to inspire others to explore the rich tapestry of our faith, embracing the traditions and teachings that can enhance their spiritual lives.

If you ever have the opportunity to join in a Latin rite baptism, you will witness the exorcism of the salt as the very first step. It's beautiful.

xo-

Kate