Any Catholics that are in the know? My Dad has found his Scapular...

[SOLOisMeredithGrey]

Dad has terminal cancer and is going through his bits and pieces etc. He is a Catholic and used to be very devout, but has been put off by the actions, attitudes and behaviours of various Priests over the years.

He has found his Scapular in amongst his old letters and photo's and has asked me how he 'disposes' of it. I have no idea at all. Should he keep it and take it to his coffin or can he just 'throw it away' if he really doesn't want it?

I would appreciate any helpful ideas and thoughts on this

The 'correct' disposal of sacramental items is burning or burial so I would assume that would be the case for a scapula. I'm not a Catholic though so this is guesswork.

If your father is no longer devout then he may not want it burying with him.

Personally I would be inclined to take it to a local Catholic Church and ask the priest to dispose of it on his behalf. They will treat it with the reverence it deserves.

That's what I wondered too SG(burning or burying I mean). I may ask my priest though I didn't really want to bring them into it really. Having said that, I do think that dad may want to receive absolution soon, but they closed his local Church down ~ just when he started to go back, so I need to find a very modern thinking/open minded priest for him.

Thank you for answering SG. I'll let you know what I do find out

sorry to hear about your dad.

The scapular doesn't have any mystic powers or anything, it is just a tool to remind you to live in a certain manner or carry out certain devotions. Your father should do with it as he likes in my view. Hope you find a priest who is kind and understanding and really helps your dad in this difficult time.

Thank you ZZZen.

I suggested today that he might like to have it in his coffin when he leaves us and I think that's what he'll do.