How do I devote myself to the Sacred Heart?

[onegirlinchrist]

Hi All,

I’m still a bit of a newbie to the faith, and have heard of this devotion. Done a bit of research, but a few questions linger…

So, there are various things you can do, including the First Fridays Communion challenge, a novena to the Sacred Heart, posting a picture of the sacred heart in a prominent place, and also “wearing it on your person”…

I guess it’s okay to do some of those things…must you do all?

Does wearing the sacred heart mean wearing the scapular, or could you wear a sacred heart necklace? If you wear the scapular, must you get it consecrated by a priest and never take it off, or is it okay to not have it consecrated and only wear it on some days? (I was thinking maybe on Fridays?)

I heard the expression, “consecrated to the Sacred Heart.” Is there a sort of 3rd order lay society associated with the Sacred Heart?

Thanks so much.

 

[Richard_White]

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is my absolute favorite Catholic devotion. I feel so very close to Jesus when I take part in it.

There is no scapular or (to my knowledge) any type of third order dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. So, in terms of consecrating yourself to His Sacred Heart, you can simply say a special prayer of consecration (there are many formulae online or in prayer books). There is also the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which I love, and of course the First Friday devotion and Sacred Heart Novena.

Yes, if you place the image of Jesus’ Sacred Heart in your home, Jesus will specially bless you and your family. We have one in a nice place in our kitchen!

I hope this helps! You knew most of it already! May God bless you abundantly!

 

[Louishacker]

Here is an excellent web site about devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart:

sacredheartdevotion.com/

 

[onegirlinchrist]

Thank you all so very much.

I think I might be confusing devotion to the Sacred Heart with officially joining some kind of 3rd order. So I wasn’t sure if consecration required me to do certain devotions under pain of sin thereafter? Assuming not…

If I say a prayer devoting myself to the Sacred Heart and failed to erect an image of the Sacred Heart, would this be a violation of my commitments, for example. My family is not Catholic, and I have to be a little careful displaying Catholic art etc. because they are, sadly, very offended by it. Sometimes more is gained by me practicing very privately. So, could I consecrate myself to the Sacred Heart and do the First Fridays Communion, and Novena. Is it okay to “pick and choose”?

Also, there is a promise to individuals related to wearing the image of the sacred Heart. What is the best way to accomplish this?

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[Richard_White]

Thank you all so very much.

I think I might be confusing devotion to the Sacred Heart with officially joining some kind of 3rd order. So I wasn’t sure if consecration required me to do certain devotions under pain of sin thereafter? Assuming not…

Yeah, I don’t think there is any Third Order specially dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

If I say a prayer devoting myself to the Sacred Heart and failed to erect an image of the Sacred Heart, would this be a violation of my commitments, for example. My family is not Catholic, and I have to be a little careful displaying Catholic art etc. because they are, sadly, very offended by it. Sometimes more is gained by me practicing very privately. So, could I consecrate myself to the Sacred Heart and do the First Fridays Communion, and Novena. Is it okay to “pick and choose”?

I guess it would be find to “pick and choose” in this regard. It is not required to place the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home. But, it is a very, very good and pious action to take that I would highly recommend. Like I said, I and most of the Catholics in my family do it and it is very nice to see an image of Jesus and His Sacred Heart every day as a constant reminder of His Love for us.

I also want to give you these quotes, which you already probably know, in regard to your parents and other family members who may be, unfortunately, offended by this:

“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father” (Matthew 10:32-33).

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

Just remember this when confronted by your parents or other relatives. Plus, the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an image of Jesus. Even if one is protestant, they should have no problem with it.

Here is a good website with everything on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

2heartsnetwork.org/SacredHeart.htm

I use the first Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Also, there is a promise to individuals related to wearing the image of the sacred Heart. What is the best way to accomplish this?

Thanks a bunch!!

olrl.org/sacramental/sh_badge.shtml

May God bless you on your journey into Catholicism!

 

[Ad_Orientem]

must you do all?

Certainly not. In fact, the spiritual masters advise us not to take on too many devotions, lest we become unfocused and perform them all poorly. My advice would be to choose one, or a few, that are meaningful to you, which help you grow closer to God, and do them well. But I’d consult your priest or spiritual director about this and follow their advice.

 

[onegirlinchrist]

Yeah, I don’t think there is any Third Order specially dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I guess it would be find to “pick and choose” in this regard. It is not required to place the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home. But, it is a very, very good and pious action to take that I would highly recommend. Like I said, I and most of the Catholics in my family do it and it is very nice to see an image of Jesus and His Sacred Heart every day as a constant reminder of His Love for us.

I also want to give you these quotes, which you already probably know, in regard to your parents and other family members who may be, unfortunately, offended by this:

“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father” (Matthew 10:32-33).

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

Just remember this when confronted by your parents or other relatives. Plus, the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an image of Jesus. Even if one is protestant, they should have no problem with it.

Here is a good website with everything on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

2heartsnetwork.org/SacredHeart.htm

I use the first Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

olrl.org/sacramental/sh_badge.shtml

May God bless you on your journey into Catholicism!

Got it. Thanks, that helps. I appreciate the advice per my family, too!

 

[onegirlinchrist]

Certainly not. In fact, the spiritual masters advise us not to take on too many devotions, lest we become unfocused and perform them all poorly. My advice would be to choose one, or a few, that are meaningful to you, which help you grow closer to God, and do them well. But I’d consult your priest or spiritual director about this and follow their advice.

Good advice. Good point about not taking on too many things at once. It’s not a good feeling to set spiritual goals that you can’t keep!