Catholic.id

Prayer & SpiritualityEssentials

What should I do with sacramentals sent by charities?

Prayer & Spirituality

The short answer

You may keep them or dispose of them, and you owe the charity nothing. Blessed objects should not be thrown away but burned or broken up and buried. If the charity doesn't say an item is blessed, you may assume it isn't — or donate it to a Catholic group that can use it.

No obligation

If a charity sends unsolicited materials, you may keep or dispose of them and are not obliged to send money. Charities mail such items as an enticement, knowing few recipients will give.

Blessed items

A blessed object should not be thrown away; it should be burned or broken up and the ashes or pieces buried. Charities should say in their literature if an item is blessed; if they don't, you may assume it isn't.

Another option

If you're uneasy discarding unblessed sacramentals, donate them to a Catholic hospital, prison apostolate, parish or diocesan ministry, or another Catholic group that can give them to people in need.