I don't use the holy water

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Flopfoot

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I used to use it when I was little, but now I worry that if I dip my hand in it I’m going to make someone else sick, so I just make the sign of the cross instead when I enter or leave the church
 
No, you won’t.

Unless you wash your eyes with it, you’re not going to make yourself sick or anyone else sick.
 
PaulfromIowa said:
There is no rule that one must bless himself with holy water.
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No, it’s not a rule, but it is a very good practice to do. It should be a reminder of your baptismal promises. And for us sinners, there’s no such thing as too much holy water! At the very least, one should not avoid the holy water because of an unfounded fear of germs.
 
Salt is blessed and added to the water during the blessing of holy water. Sometimes you can see salt crystals forming as the water dries. In my parish we change the holy water and clean the container every week. I have seen that done in other parishes as well.
 
Flopfoot said:
I used to use it when I was little, but now I worry that if I dip my hand in it I’m going to make someone else sick, so I just make the sign of the cross instead when I enter or leave the church
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That would be pretty silly of you.
 
@Flopfoot:
Short of bleeding into it, or spitting into it while sick, you are in no danger of infecting anyone by touching the Holy Water.

You are not required to make use of the Holy Water. It’s good to do so: there’s a reason the Church provides it. Please do not fear to use what’s given us.

May God grant you peace and blessings. ✝️
 
some churches don’t have holy water at the doors due to concern of making others sick.
 
ndmoharo said:
some churches don’t have holy water at the doors due to concern of making others sick.
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I have not seen this in any churches visited… Have you seen any announcement that this was the reason?
 
Unless you have an extremely contagious and deadly disease I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m not a hypochondriac, but I can tend that direction. I have no problem using with holy water.

If you have a serious disease then bring a bottle of holy water for yourself to use. If you don’t have a serious disease then push through your discomfort and use the holy water in the font. Letting your fears win won’t help you in the long term.
 
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Really? Sometimes the holy water is in a tiny font attached to the wall, rather easy to miss, but I had never heard of any churches not offering it at all.
 
Flopfoot said:
to use it when I was little, but now I worry that if I dip my hand in it I’m going to make someone else sick, so I just make the sign of the cross instead when I enter or leave the church
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Okay…

Is there some reason you created a CAF thread for this?
 
I seldom use it myself simply because the entrance I normally use is some distance from the font. I’ve never felt it was necessary.
 
Or touching the pews while kneeling, or the Missals! 😝 Much better not to think about it, otherwise thinking about germs will drive you crazy. :crazy_face:
 
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I’m sorry you feel this way. I don’t think you will do, but you are entitled to your worries, I hope you get better soon.
Why don’t you get some of your own Holy water in a bottle and bring it with you and use that. Holy Water is quite important and it would be nice to use it. Or you could wear gloves.
 
ShowersofRoses said:
Or touching the pews while kneeling, or the Missals! 😝 Much better not to think about it, otherwise thinking about germs will drive you crazy. :crazy_face:
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This. All of this.

Unless you’re encased in a space suit, you’re exposed to germs. It’s part of being a healthy person.

If I were neutropenic (a condition where a person has below the minimum number of white blood cells to fight any sort of infection; happens in bone marrow suppression and is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and no - you wouldn’t have it as a result of normal functioning), would I take a chance? No, probably not - especially during flu season, just because it’s not worth it. But I am a healthy person, as are likely most of us.

Folks, you’re exposed to far more germs on computer keyboards, grocery carts, the backs of pews, your car door handle, the telephone at work…
 
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