The Catholic folk laity refers to the ordinary members of the Catholic Church who are not part of the clergy or religious orders. These individuals play a significant role in the life of the Church and contribute to the mission of the Church in various ways. One of the main roles of the Catholic folk laity is to live out their faith in their daily lives. They are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and teachings in the world. This involves living according to the moral and ethical teachings of the Church and striving to bring the values of the Gospel to their families, workplaces, and communities. The Catholic folk laity also participate actively in the liturgical life of the Church.
Isolation is a part of life in the Appalachian Mountains, and that can sometimes mean no access to electricity. This is a view of Nikki Chester’s apothecary when she was straining some oil but the power went out.
According to tradition, no fee would be charged for the service, nor was the burned person to say thank you, because it was believed to be the work of the Lord. Sister Karol, a Roman Catholic nun embraces all religions and spiritualities, without judgment, by giving us the tools to find the magic in our lives through prayer and ritual.
The Catholic folk laity also participate actively in the liturgical life of the Church. They attend Mass regularly, receive the sacraments, and participate in other forms of worship and prayer, such as the recitation of the rosary or the liturgy of the hours. They contribute to the liturgical celebrations by serving as lectors, altar servers, musicians, or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.
Sister Karol's Book of Spells, Blessings & Folk Magic (Paperback)
"Sister Karol book feed your heart and soul in a way and in places you didn’t even know were starving. This is a beautiful, sacred, and important book that I look forward to sharing with everyone I know." --Mary-Grace Fahrun, author of Italian Folk Magic
Anyone seeking to mend a broken heart, turn enemies into friends, or find a guardian angel will find encouragement in this uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining book. Author Karol Jackowski introduces, explains, and explores the nature of spells, prayers, and blessings and offers practical suggestions for their use. Readers will learn how to cast spells, create altar space, and most crucially how to live their best spiritual and magical lives.
Karol draws from a variety of spiritual and folk magic traditions with a focus on the power of positive thought. The first half of the book provides magical and spiritual instruction, while the second half consists of Sister Karol's personal book of spells and rituals, derived mainly from Catholic folk magic, but also from Buddhist, Jewish, Native American, and Wiccan influences.
About the Author
Karol Jackowski's life as a nun began in 1964, when she joined the Sisters of the Holy Cross in South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from Saint Mary's College in South Bend in 1969 with a BA in sociology and then from the University of Notre Dame in 1974 with an MA in theology. Karol spent half of her life as a nun at Saint Mary's College, first as a student and then as an administrator in various capacities. In 1990, she moved to New York City to finish her PhD at New York University. During this time, she was also the chief operating officer of an East Village novelty store called Alphabets. In 1995, Karol left the Sisters of the Holy Cross and became part of the Sisters for Christian Community, an independent, self-governing sisterhood. She is the author of numerous books and an acclaimed artist, whose work is in private collections and displayed in the Veselka restaurant in New York's East Village.
Praise For…
"Here are spiritual recipes, complete with instructions to conjure the best in any situation life throws at you, whether you need the magic of belief, the antidote for snark, or blessings for abundance, Sister Karol has the cure. Witty and wise, this is magic for all folks, great and small, and anyone knows a Godwink when they see one." -- Adriana Trigiani , bestselling author of Tony's Wife
— Adriana Trigiani
" Sister Karol's Book of Spells, Blessings and Folk Magic is a wonderful little book that looks at prayer, belief and miracles through a new lens. Sister Karol, a Roman Catholic nun embraces all religions and spiritualities, without judgment, by giving us the tools to find the “magic” in our lives through prayer and ritual. In this way, she takes down the boundaries between us and she makes it fun! As she interchanges words to reach all people, we are meant to see the similarities between belief systems. She implores us to be positive and believe in the magic that comes from knowing that “wishes” really do come true. Sister Karol shows us that prayer is not just articulation of words but also includes living and following with creating rituals and alters that bring God into our lives constantly. Our life is a prayer. Abracadabra …Amen." -- Anna Raimondi , author of Conversations with Mary: Messages of Healing, Hope, and Unity for Everyone
— Anna Raimondi
"Whether you are a novice or, like me, have been a life-long practitioner of folk magic, Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings & Folk Magic by Karol Jackowski will feed your heart and soul in a way and in places you didn’t even know were starving. It is the book I have been craving and searching for forever and I am so grateful that she wrote it. In the first part of her divine, inspired book, you will feel Sister Karol’s spirit with you as she gently calls you back to the God within us all. In our busy mundane lives, it is so easy to place our spirituality on the back burner. Novices will be gently introduced to straightforward practical ways on how to approach and create their own spirituality, and how to incorporate it into their daily lives. As a more experienced practitioner, the first part of Sister Karol’s book helped me to call back all the scattered pieces of myself and refocus my spiritual practice. The real gift her book gave me however is confirmation that there are other people like me, a sense of belonging to a solitary practitioner. The second part of her book contains beautiful spells, blessings, prayers and folk magic from numerous religious traditions. Many I already know and felt like coming home, but so many were new and exciting to me and felt like a new adventure! This is a beautiful, sacred, and important book that I look forward to sharing with everyone I know." -- Mary-Grace Fahrun , author of Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery
— Mary-Grace Fahrun
"If you are a witch who calls on the saints like I do, you will fall in love with Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings, and Folk Magic . It is a book of magic, yes, but written by a woman steeped in the ritual and lore of Catholicism. Sister Karol shows us what a life of prayer can look like, gives the reader practical magical advice, and reminds us that spirits want to visit us, too. It’s not just us reaching out to them, but them reaching in. You can read the book straight through or read it as needed, like many spell books. She's giving us more than mere instruction though. Sister Karol writes from a mystical heart. It’s a grimoire of love. After finishing it, I couldn’t wait to get home to my altar." -- Aliza Einhorn , author of The Little Book of Saturn
— Aliza Einhorn
"For those who believe that a Catholic nun would have no idea or concept regarding the intricacies of magical spellwork, think again! From setting up magical altars to dressing candles, working with incense, and reciting magical prayers, Sister Karol has captured and presented what I believe to be the Catholic version of Hoodoo. Based on religious beliefs, many people avoid practicing magic because they fear spiritual consequences, convinced that it is “sinful” to to do so. Well, fear no more! Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings, and Folk Magic provides numerous spells including those for gambling; money drawing; love drawing; ancestor work, and even binding your enemies--all in a context that is not only untainted from iniquities, but also teaches us to work them alongside God and the Holy Deities. Prayers are basically magical incantations, and Sister Karol teaches us how to implement these incantations, provided to us in the Holy Bible, alongside our altar work. I’m so excited and can’t wait to incorporate many of Sister’s Karol’s spells into my own practice! This book is phenomenal!" -- Miss Aida , author, psychic, Hoodoo practitioner, and Catholic Spiritualist. www.MissAida.com
— Miss Aida
" Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings & Folk Magic is a luminous source of wisdom and inspiration. There is something for everyone and every occasion: from baby blessings to wedding ceremonies, spells for real estate, true love, and safe travel as well as timeless prayers. Keep it close by; for like a beloved companion, you will return to it often." -- Virginia Bell , astrologer and author of Midlife Is Not A Crisis: Using Astrology To Thrive In The Second Half Of Life
— Virgina Bell
"This gift of Karol Jackowski’s wisdom, spirit, energy and hope arrives with perfect timing in a world that desperately needs these recipes for creation of holy magic in our hearts, homes, and beyond. I also greatly cheer the added bonus of the chance to sink into yet another rich work by this fascinating writer and woman. Those with ---or even without---a crumb of religiosity or spirituality are sure to find a new guru, and best friend." – Suzanne Strempek Shea , award-winning author of Sundays in America, Make a Wish But Not for Money , and other books
— Suzanne Strempek Shea
" Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings, and Folk Magic , by Karol Jackowski, is a pleasant surprise. Having been raised Roman Catholic myself, I recognized immediately how Sister Karol has crafted a blend of workings loosely based on the order of Catholic ritual and the use of Catholic sacramentals with her own creativity drawn from other sources of inspiration. If the magical side of the Christian faith is appealing to you, you will find a very workable system here with everything needed. Sister Karol has written her Book of Spells in such a manner that, even if you are new to magical work, you will have no problem getting positive results. The secret is your intention and application of what Sister Karol teaches you within these pages." -- C.R. Bilardi , author of The Red Church or the Art of Pennsylvania German Braucherei and Wapallopen Luzerne County: A forgotten Pennsylvania Dutch Enclave
— C. R. Bilardi
"Open Sister Karol’s Book of Spells, Blessings and Folk Magic , and you will open your heart to possibility and connection. You’ll also be prepared to welcome new babies, bless your pets, and celebrate your birthday with your spirit guides. Sister Karol delivers holiness with a smile and a wink, offering practical magic with a divine assist. Warning to readers: This book will cast a joyful spell on you." -- Kate Whouley , author of Remembering the Music, Forgetting the Words
— Kate Whouley
"There are many who have written about magic and folklore, but not many of these books have been written by a nun. Karol Jackowski has created a way to unearth a familiar, ancient sense of true esoteric faith, reminiscent of a way of life once lived before the modern world took hold. Karol's knowledge of saints and diverse traditions is impeccable and her practice of magic powerful. With each page, you can almost taste the essence of sacred light flowing out from within her words.
The perception of a nun's monastic life leads one to conjure thoughts of hermetic days enclosed in strict confinement of spiritual views, but Karol breaks all the misconceptions and barriers and illuminates a path we have all longed for deep inside ourselves. This book is a revelation, as Sister Karol's Book of Spells, Blessings & Folk Magic is an invitation to re-embrace our world as a sacred form of magic in itself. Weaving between blessings for babies, sacred prayers, purifications, and altar work, there is something for everyone to draw upon and immerse into their daily life. This is a powerful companion for inner mystics to steer their heart's compass to the divine in life." – Andrés Engracia , author of Saints and Mystics Reading Cards
“Raised as a traditional Catholic, Sister Karol grew up surrounded by angels. She also learned the ways of Catholic folk magic. In 1964 she joined the Sisters of the Holy Cross. In 1995 she became part of an independent, self-governing sisterhood, the Sisters for Christian Community. Along the way, she began to study Paganism and Wicca. With this book, she is sharing the magical world that she’s discovered. She tells readers about finding/creating sacred space and setting up home altars. The book also includes over 100 pages of Sister Karol’s personal spells.” – Anna Jedrziewski , Retailing Insights
— Anna Jedrziewski
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
- Religion / Wicca
- Kobo eBook (February 28th, 2019): $16.95
The Raccolta contains more than just the standard short prayers you would find on the back of a santino or holy card. It also describes novenas, hymns, and ejaculations--that is, short prayers which are said throughout the day to keep the mind focused on piety and to consecrate one's daily life. Some of the prayers are only "valid" if spoken in front of a particular image or on a particular day of the liturgical year. These instructions reflect what Andrew Greeley refers to as the "Catholic imagination":
Another important aspect of the role of the Catholic folk laity is their involvement in various ministries and organizations within the Church. They volunteer their time and talents to serve others and support the work of the Church. This can include working with the poor and marginalized, visiting the sick and elderly, teaching religious education classes, or participating in parish councils and committees. The Catholic folk laity also have the responsibility to educate themselves about their faith and to pass it on to future generations. This involves ongoing formation, study of the Scriptures and Church teachings, and engagement with theological and ethical debates. They are encouraged to be well-informed and articulate in defending and explaining their faith. Finally, the Catholic folk laity have the privilege of participating in the decision-making processes of the Church. They have the right and duty to voice their opinions and concerns, to contribute to the discernment of the needs of the Church, and to collaborate with the clergy and religious in shaping the direction of the Church's mission. In summary, the Catholic folk laity are the ordinary members of the Church who live out their faith, participate in the liturgical life of the Church, serve in ministries and organizations, educate themselves and others, and contribute to the decision-making processes of the Church. They are called to be active and engaged participants in the life of the Church and to contribute to the building of God's kingdom on earth..
Reviews for "Catholic Folk Layic as a Source of Spiritual Nourishment"
1) John Doe - 1 star
I found "Catholic folk music" to be incredibly dull and uninspiring. The songs lacked any sort of depth or complexity, and the lyrics were trite and repetitive. I couldn't connect with the music on any level and it left me feeling bored and uninterested. I was expecting something more vibrant and lively, but instead I got a collection of monotonous tunes that all sounded the same. I would not recommend this album to anyone seeking a captivating musical experience.
2) Sarah Smith - 2 stars
I have to admit, I wasn't really impressed with "Catholic folk music". The songs felt overly religious and one-dimensional, with little variation in melody or tone. The album seemed to lack creativity and innovation, and I found myself quickly losing interest. The music just didn't speak to me and failed to evoke any emotional response. While I appreciate the effort to create religious music, I don't think "Catholic folk music" is particularly engaging or enjoyable.
3) Robert Johnson - 2 stars
I must say, "Catholic folk music" is just not my cup of tea. The melodies were bland and predictable, and the overall sound felt dated and stale. I found it hard to connect with the lyrics, as they were too focused on religious themes and didn't offer much depth or nuance. The songs lacked the passion and energy that I typically look for in folk music, leaving me feeling disappointed. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a fresh and exciting musical experience.