Chapel and Candles

[nickiwool]

I am re-learning Catholicism and I have two questions. One is am I able to go pray at the church chapel? I know I’ve gone a few times as it is open I believe all day and night. I being that I never did anything beyond baptism have no idea if I am allowed in there or if the people who use the chapel are there for another reason. I guess I am asking is if the chapel is an open place to pray at any hour of the day for anyone?..My second question is the candles in the chapel, may I light one? As a child I remember going and being next to my mom who would light one and pray there, am I able to do that?. I just want to make sure I am using everything as it should be. Thank you in advance.

 

[Cranch]

If it is open you most certainly are welcome to enter and pray in a chapel. One of the tragedies of modern life is the locking of church doors after hours for fear of theft. If you have access to an open chapel you are fortunate. You may also light a candle (if that is allowed generally). I personally reserve lighting a candle to times I have a special prayer intention. If you can afford it, leave a small donation to help pay for replacing the candles.

 

[Julia_Mae]

I am re-learning Catholicism and I have two questions. One is am I able to go pray at the church chapel? I know I’ve gone a few times as it is open I believe all day and night. I being that I never did anything beyond baptism have no idea if I am allowed in there or if the people who use the chapel are there for another reason. I guess I am asking is if the chapel is an open place to pray at any hour of the day for anyone?..My second question is the candles in the chapel, may I light one? As a child I remember going and being next to my mom who would light one and pray there, am I able to do that?. I just want to make sure I am using everything as it should be. Thank you in advance.

Adding to Cranch’s excellent answer: if it is an adoration chapel or any place open as you describe, EVERYONE can go in! I recommend them to Protestants and atheists and everyone else. So peaceful and lovely. Also, please pray for the intentions related to all the other candles besides the one you light. (Be sure to look for a donation box, the candles aren’t free for the Parish, it’s not a huge cost per candle but when people don’t contribute it really adds up.)

Welcome back Home.

 

[nickiwool]

Thank you both very much!! The doors are locked after certain hours but I am able to get a code to get in from what I learned on my church website . I am so happy to be able to go there it is so peaceful I will also remember to leave a donation. I really never thought before where the candles came from! Thank you for mentioning that . Thank you again for your answers may God bless you both!

-Nicki

 

[onceablasphemer]

Most churches have a box to leave donations for the candles in so look for that.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Thank you both very much!! The doors are locked after certain hours but **I am able to get a code to get in **from what I learned on my church website . I am so happy to be able to go there it is so peaceful I will also remember to leave a donation. I really never thought before where the candles came from! Thank you for mentioning that . Thank you again for your answers may God bless you both!

-Nicki

It is wonderful that your parish has an Adoration chapel that is available. As others have said, it is open to anyone during the times the door is unlocked. After hours, when you need the code to get in, may be available only to committed adorers - those that sign up to be there at the same time each week. That is to ensure the safety of the adorers and to ensure that Our Lord is not left alone. Check with you parish.

Welcome back home! I will be praying for you.