60 - Catholicism and Halloween

60 - Catholicism and Halloween

Author: Dr Caitlin West October 24, 2023 Duration: 25:50

What are the roots of Halloween? Can Catholics celebrate it? Do Catholics believe in GHOSTS?! (Spooooky)

In this episode, we discuss Halloween, and how we might celebrate it as Catholics.

⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2

Support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠!

Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠:https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/

References and further reading/listening/viewing:

John 17:15

Drew the Catholic, "Former Mormon Bishop is Becoming Catholic"

Catholic Answers, "It's OK to Celebrate Halloween"

"What's the Point of Halloween?"

"Can Catholics Celebrate Halloween?"

"The (Fake) Pagan History of Halloween"

"Weird Halloween Questions"

"FFAF: Scary Stories to Give Kids 'Goosebumps'"

"What are Ghosts?"

Adam Blai, "Do Catholics Believe in Ghosts?: Church Teaching on Purgatory"

Word on Fire, "It's Time for Catholics to Start Embracing Halloween"

Fr John Flader, "Should Catholics Celebrate Halloween?"

The Catholic Weekly, Fr John Flader, "When Did We Start Celebrating All Saints Day?"

Aleteia, "The Church asks us to focus on '4 Last Things': What are they?"

"How should a Catholic react to an encounter with a ghost?"

Peter Kreeft, Doors in the Walls of the World: Signs of Transcendence in the Human Story



For anyone curious about the foundations, traditions, and everyday implications of the Catholic faith, Crash Course Catholicism offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point. Hosted by theologian Dr Caitlin West, this podcast breaks down complex theological concepts, historical context, and Church teachings into clear, manageable conversations. Each fortnightly episode focuses on a specific topic-from the sacraments and scripture to moral philosophy and liturgical practice-providing listeners with a structured yet engaging overview. Dr West’s approach is both scholarly and welcoming, making centuries of tradition feel relevant and comprehensible. Whether you're a lifelong parishioner seeking a refresher, someone exploring spirituality, or simply a person with questions about the world's largest Christian denomination, this series is designed to inform without overwhelming. Tune in for a calm, considered journey through the pillars of Catholic thought, all delivered in short, easy-to-digest segments perfect for a daily commute or quiet moment of reflection. You can find more from Dr Caitlin West and the podcast at her website.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Crash Course Catholicism
Podcast Episodes
75 - Eucharistic Miracles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
Every. Single. Mass. Is a miracle. Eucharistic miracles remind us of that fact. In this episode, we discuss four amazing incidents, three of which occurred in the last thirty years. In each of these miracles, a communion…
74 - St. Carlo Acutis: An ordinary teenager who became a saint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
Pope Francis has just announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis is going to be the first millenial saint. Carlo Acutis was an ordinary teenager who died suddenly at the age of 15. He was known for his love of God, and in parti…
73 - How Freedom Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
If the point of my faith is to set me free, why are there so many things I *have* to do as a Catholic? What should I do when I feel like I'm doing things because I have to and not because I want to? What's the difference…
72 - How Vocation Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:56
Does everyone have a vocation? How do I know what my vocation is? Can I say no to God's call? What if I make the wrong choice? In this episode, we discuss what it means to live out our call to holiness and apostolate in…
71 - St. Gianna Beretta Molla: Wife, Mum, Doctor, Saint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was born in 1922. As a young woman, she wanted to be a missionary but eventually saw that God was calling her to marriage and family life. She became a pediatrician, and she and her husband Pietr…
70 - How Indulgences Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:51
What's an indulgence? How do I obtain one? Is it true that the Catholic church sold indulgences in the past? In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on penance and contrition in the lead-up to Holy Week. Donate via Pa…
69 - How to go to Confession (and make it a good one!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:18
What should I say in the confessional? What happens if I forget one of my sins, or forget to say my penance? Can non-Catholics go to confession? This episode is a practical guide for going to confession. Donate via PayPa…
68 - Lent and Easter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
What are the origins of Lent? Do I have to give something up? Why is there no mass on Good Friday? How long does the Easter season last? (Hint: ages) In this episode, we discuss the Lenten and Easter Seasons. Donate via…
67 - Ecumenism and Apostolate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) How does the Catholic church dialogue with other faiths and denominations without compromising on the truth? Why is it important to have friends who don't…
66 - Unity and Diversity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
How do we balance unity and diversity within the Catholic church? Do Catholics have to accept every single one of the official teachings of the church? Does union with the pope mean accepting and believing every single t…