Father Joe’s Halloween Stories
Teenagers have enjoyed Fr. Joe’s stories for many years. Now it is your chance to hear what all the fuss is about. It is a good safe way to celebrate Halloween time while not forgetting the more important ALL SOULS and ALL SAINTS DAY. Why are his stories particularly scary? It’s because, he says, they are REAL.
Note the testimonials:
“All teenagers should have a little hell scared out of them!”
FROM A PARENT – “Father, what did you tell my children? They’re all huddled together in the same bed and won’t let me close the door.”
FROM A 12TH GRADE BOY – “I may never turn out the lights again!”
FROM AN 8TH GRADE GIRL – “I had to go to the bathroom but was afraid to go alone.”
FROM A 9TH GRADE BOY – “This is better than a haunted house!”
FROM A 10TH GRADE GIRL – “You mean a toy can bring about possession? I am going straight home to burn my ouija board!”
FROM A 7TH GRADE BOY – “More pizza!”
FROM AN 11TH GRADE GIRL – “What do you mean all his stories are REAL? No, no, they can’t be! Please, somebody, tell me he’s lying!”
FROM SOMEONE’S KID BROTHER – “I want my mommy!”
FROM YOUTH DIRECTORS – “Anything that keeps them quiet and under control is fine by me!”
FROM OTHER PRIESTS – “Fr. Joe’s telling what kind of stories?”
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TWO INTERESTING CITATIONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
Revised Standard Version & Confraternity Version (Revised Challoner-Rheims)
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And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, mastered all of them, and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; and fear fell upon them all; and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the site of all; and they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily. (Acts 19:11-20)
And immediately afterwards [Jesus] made his disciples get into the boat and cross the sea ahead of him, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had dismissed the crowd, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. And when it was late, he was there alone, but the boat was in the midst of the sea, buffeted by the waves, for the wind was against them. But in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking upon the sea. And they, seeing him walking upon the sea, were greatly alarmed, and exclaimed, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. Then Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:22-27)
A FEW THOUGHTS FROM FATHER JOE
Above are examples of “scary” elements found in Bible stories. Despite a few objections, the telling of ghost stories and the like have a long history among believers. Many themes in Christianity come to the fore: the resistence of the devil and the other fallen angels, life beyond the grave, the mystery of sin and death, the communion of the saints, prophecies regarding the end times and the anti-Christ, etc. Nevertheless, it may still seem particularly bizarre that a priest would annually tell scary stories, and yet, for many years that has been my practice in the month of October.
Why tell scary stories? We could also ask this of the inspired biblical authors, and yet believers regard the Scriptures as God’s living WORD to us, revealing himself and the message of salvation. Could it be that the light of the Good News shines all the brighter against the dark backdrop of human weakness and spiritual evil? I think so.
It also concerns me that many people live as if the resurrection is a hoax and that the prospect of judgment includes no dark possibility of condemnation. Many people today deny the existence of hell and reduce the devil to a fantasy character as on television and in movies. Others accept the occult lie that the devil is only the necessary flip-side to God. I even knew a “Catholic” professor in seminary, and a cleric no less, who denied the existence of angels, good or bad. While my stories are meant as juvenile entertainment, in some small part, they might function as an antidote to both the occult and the atheistic state of affairs. We are not alone. Some of us are being heavily manipulated by things we cannot see. It is essential that we place our trust in God alone. True religious faith needs to supplant superstition and doubt. Hopefully, we can avoid the extremes.
Turning to the subject of ghosts, there is a great deal of divergence on this question. Many theologians contend that the makeup of the afterlife excludes any type of spectral encounter. They would classify ghosts as flights of imagination, or in the worse scenerio, demons in disguise. Others fit ghosts into the category of souls in purgatory, crying out for prayer and remembrance. There are many stories told that seem to support this possibility. In any case, ghost stories remind us that the grave will not consume us and that the soul is immortal.
Scary stories tend to drive us toward sources of safety and strength. Note how many practical atheists and hedonists make the sign of the cross and recite HAIL MARYs in the face of immediate danger. God is almighty and omnipresent. If we trust in him, we have nothing to fear. Separated from him, we have every reason to be fearful. How do we stand right now with God?
Ask yourself how these statements make YOU feel:
- GOD knows your deepest darkest SECRETS.
- Yes, GOD KNOWS “What You Did Last Summer”.
- God SEES YOU all the time, everywhere you go.
- Your sins, large and small, NAILED JESUS to the Cross.
- Saving faith must be lived out in OBEDIENCE.
- Your body is a TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit.
- What have YOU DONE to your body lately?
- Are You a FRIEND of God or of the devil?
- What COMMANDMENTS have You BROKEN?
- There is still time to REPENT and to BELIEVE.
- But hurry, it is running out. The shadows are falling. The day is almost spent. Night is coming. BOO!
This special event is FREE each year! But we will never turn away donations. PLEASE, no little kids. These stories are TOO INTENSE! Young people in grades 7 thru 12 are welcome! Call ahead and let us know if you are coming. FOOD and DRINK will be provided. Held in late October, near Halloween obviously, the stories have been told at St. Mary of the Assumption in Upper Marlboro, during hayrides, at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Forestville, and now at Holy Family Church in Mitchellville, MD.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
frjoe2000@yahoo.com
Check to see IF, WHEN and WHERE it will be next time!
This page has the following sub pages.
- AN EXORCISM STORY
- LAST RITES ON A WINTRY NIGHT
- THE GOATMAN OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
- ORDER OF THE DEAD
- NOT QUITE ALONE IN THE DARK
- CANDLE AGAINST THE DARKNESS
- BEDTIME FRIGHT
- BAD DREAMS
- HOW TRUE WAS THE EXORCISM STORY?
- THE HAUNTED APARTMENT
- INDIAN POOKA
- FACE IN THE MIRROR
- PIGGY
- SPECTRES IN THE RECTORY
- SOMETHING STRANGE IN THE HOUSE
- UNWELCOME VISITOR
- A Story for Children: Johnny Be Bad
- THE OLD MAN NEXT DOOR
- CRAZY WOMAN & THE EMPTY PEOPLE
- What Became of Helen?
- Substituted Souls
- The Fortune Teller
- Monster in the Parish
- Haunted By Our Choices
- MORE IS BETTER THAN ONE?
- The Travelers
I bet that they were very scary. I don’t know if I would want to hear one.
THAT WAS SOOOOOOO BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Could it be that the light of the Good News shines all the brighter against the dark backdrop of human weakness and spiritual evil? I think so.”
….. so the more we “scare” our children, the more faithful they might become or the stronger their belief in God?
Father Joe,
“Paranormal States’ is a currently running TV series that deals with house hauntings/possessions. In many of the outcomes, regardless of the religious affiliations of the subjects, a CATHOLIC bishop or priest is called in to bless the premises or, if permission has been obtained, an exorcism is performed.
I understand that the series is ‘staged’, but according to the credits, the stories are based on fact. In one instance, a Protestant clergyman was called in, but said: “I can only offer prayers and a blessing. The Catholics are good at this sort of thing.”
Nice to know we’ve ‘got the real thing’. (No disrespect intended!!!) :)
Blessings,
June
Here’s a Scarier Story!
When I was 12, in September of 1966, the New Priest in our nearby town’s Catholic School, decided to tell the kids of our school: that he wanted to be “our best friend.”
So, he wasted no time, and stopped, DAILY MASS.
He had Mass once a week, then once a month, gradually, phasing out Jesus’ Primacy, of PLACE IN OUR HEARTS.
THE BEST FRIEND” in all our Hearts, was phased out, gradually. Yet, gradually, is after all, is how the Devil does it.
On October 31, 1966, this Priest, our new friend, had a seance, in the basement of the Rectory. He let the 7th and 8th Graders, have this seance, where Levitations occurred. He also had dances with the lights all off, and the kids, started being interested in dancing too close, and a kissing game called Post Office.
I knew it was wrong, so I told my mom, and our own parish priest, in the town I was from, fifteen miles away.
My own Parish Priest, was good, and said I was right to tell him about it. He also, was upset, that that occurred. My own parish priest taught, 1st-12th Grade Catechism and Bible History Classes, and shoveled his own snow, and cleaned the church himself, and had all the Masses, and Sacraments, himself. He was a One of a Kind—Genuine-Good-Catholic Priest!
My memories, of the scary priest, are sad, even to this day. My memories of our parish priest, is very endearing, to this day.
I am proud to this day, to call our parish priest, even to this day, after his death, “Father.”
For, he was our Father, in Faith. The other priest, did not act like a Father, nor a Priest. He was scary. And, he may be alive, or dead. So, pray 4 this scary priest.
Pray in thanksgiving, for our own very dear, Parish Priest. He’s been deceased for 6 years. He died in the Fall of 2002. I miss him. God gave me told me at 4, this priest would teach me all about Him. And, God was right. Thanks Father Ginther. May your soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in Peace. Amen. Praise God!
FYI: The priest and the rabbi who used to be on NBC’s Today Show, once giggled and said, “There are four different types of prayer.” The NBC Moderator, said, “What are they.” And, the rabbi and priest said, together, “Thanks, Gimme, Opps, and Wow!” I will never forget their memorable laughter, and glee, at simplifying God for us common folks. God Bless You All.
Adieu! Adieu!
Fr. Joe,
I have read all your stories, and these experiences you have had or not the norm; or at least I have not heard too many people speak about experiences like this. I believe that they have happened to you and much like your father told you, I think that Satan knew you were going to be a priest and he was trying to deter this. These stories and your other writings on your blog have helped me deepen my faith, so I think Satan had reason to be concerned. Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences and the experiences others have relayed to you – like Fr. Lubey? I think this would help a lot of others out as well. I was praying for more answers, especially asking assistance from Padre Pio and St. John Bosco, so I didn’t run onto your web site by accident, but others may not be as fortunate. I also realize that as a parish priest, you would probably have little time to do this, but maybe you could consider it. Thanks, John
Fr. Joe,
It is such a relief knowing that some Christians enjoy Halloween. I’ve had way too many “alternative” Halloween parties in my life. I converted to Catholicism last year and am loving the freedom that I now have–one of those freedoms is HAVING FUN with a harmless holiday instead of “wanting” to believe that those who have fun with Halloween are pagans. As a fellow Halloween lover, you may get a kick out of my home haunt last week. I put some pics up on my flog. http://www.clashofthespoons.com/the-pat-man-halloween-christian-haunt/
The tough thing is trying to out-do it next year!
Pat
All of us God-fearing Catholic Christians should be ever so wary when dealing with astrology, seances, and the occult. I recall my best friend telling me how, back in the early 1970s, after consulting astrology/psychics, tarot cards and the like, that one day at school she freaked out when the lid on her desk actually opened and then, just as quickly slammed down (unaided)! Another time (which caused her to give up the psychic business for good) she felt her bed move around her bedroom one night, on its own, kind of violently! Scared out of her wits, she ran downstairs and threw a family bible on top of her bed, which seemed to end whatever “disturbance” was bothering her in her bedroom. She became a born-again Christian not long after that!
And, I also recall watching author Malachi Martin on one of the 1970s talk shows (Phil Donahue?), which dealt with diabolical possession. Three guests were on the show with Phil and Malachi, who each recounted their sad tales of evil possession and its aftermath, etc. Near the show’s end, Phil ran around the audience, microphone in hand, to get audience questions answered. I never fogot one question asked to Malachi and the “panel”: “How in the world could you – or anyone for the matter – ever GET possessed by the devil in the first place? I mean, who in their RIGHT MINDS would EVER want such a thing to happen to them?!!” And Malachi explained: “No, this is something you never ASK for, per se, but what you DO can ALLOW the evil spirit to OBTAIN ENTRANCE TO YOUR SOUL by the “access avenues” of things like: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual sins, mastrubation, fornication, seances, psychic readings, astrology, the occult OUIJA BOARDS and the like… in short, “seemingly HARMLESS things!” Let us all be cautious and wary, and NEVER allow ourselves to be “doorways of the entrance of evil” – rather turn ourselves completely with trust in God, His Blessed Mother, his Angels and His Saints in Heaven!!! May all of us recall Our Lady’s words in Medjugorje: “Keep a rosary in your hands as a sign to Satan that YOU belong to ME!” :)
Here’s a real-life “scary story” from my own family. Back in the late 1960s, my aunt (Godmother also) Mary, her husband (my Uncle John) and my Uncle Bill and Aunt Catherine were having a dinner party one night at Aunt Mary and Uncle John’s home. After dinner, my Aunt Mary suggested they have some kind of different fun, maybe to play a game on their son’s Ouija Board?! After all, my Aunt confessed she really wondered if “all the hype about it was really true, or not?”
So, as to maybe “test the reality” of the Ouija spirits or whatever, my Aunt Mary asked the Ouija board, “Ouija, please tell me the name of the Mother of God!” Imagine, as my Aunt Mary, and my other two uncles were following this “game” and lo and behold, (to which my relatives all swear to, to this very day), the Ouija board “spelled out a vile, terrible obscenity!” (Aunt Mary couldn’t repeat it to me, but nonetheless I took her word for it, just the same). Immediately, scared breathless by this, and having felt the temperature in her house dip quite a bit at this “revelation,” my Aunts and Uncles immediately dropped the board and its pieces like a hot potato… and Aunt Mary placed an immediate, breathless phone call to my great Aunt, a nun, to get HER advice. And what advice did Sr. Barbara give Aunt Mary? It was: “Mary, BURN that board!!! Get it IMMEDIATELY THE HELL OUT OF YOUR HOUSE” (her exact words), and “Don’t you EVER EVER EVER! TOUCH THAT BOARD OR GAME AGAIN – DO YOU HEAR ME?! EVER AGAIN!”
End of story. The game was burned, forever banished, never to be used or seen by my cousins again!
One more Ouija-related story…
In the mid-1980s I visited Chicago and met some of the folks my sister worked with during my visit. One of my sister’s co-workers (“Henry”) had spent a few years serving in Vietnam with the Marines in the 1970s. At that time, sad to say, some of the servicemen dabbled in alcohol and drugs, and Henry had the same problems. I recall Henry telling me that one night in Vietnam in the jungle, on night sentry duty, a few of the Marines were “goofing around” with playing a Ouija board. Henry went on to say that “we asked the Ouija what is your name?” and it spelled out J-U-D-A-S-I-S-C-A-R-I-O-T” and, “where is Judas Iscariot?” to which, Henry said, it spelled out H-E-R-E-I-N-H-E-L-L. And, there were a few other dire, too-scary-to-tell stuff that happened. Good for Henry that his tour of duty there soon ended, and he quit the drugs and cut down on his drinking… but that night completely ended any time Henry or his service buddies ever had with those evil Ouija board games! Poor Henry had his emotional traumas for years afer Vietnam, but he said it was small in effect to what he remembered in “playing around on that evil board game!”
this was major uber creepy!!!!!! but it is all totally true!!!!!!!!!!!
You all joke like it is due to drugs. For those of us who “really” see it is NOT!
Wall Street bankers and dictators are the scariest of all.
Father Joe,
I grew up Baptist; but was confused as a child. I would visit a lot of other religions; not sure why, because I was so young. I watched Williams Blatty’s Exorcist, and to this day I’m terrified of the thought of it. I am 29. I was 6 when I saw it. I have had a hard life and a stroke at 18, after my first born on 2001. Then I was plagued by a lot of diseases. I was diagnosed as manic depressive. Because of my childhood trauma and family history, some question if that is the case now. I have not been on meds going on 3 years for it.
One day in 2005, I was struck with physical ailments, like feeling scared 24-7. Doctors said it was anxiety; but I did not fit the textbook definition. Shortly after a brain operation, while driving, I got hot all over, sick and scared. I pulled over on route 95 and thought to myself, “OMG, I’m dying!” Instantly a strange sensation came over me; I felt as if in a trance. I got back into my car and drove home. My number one fear in life is death. I believe on that day, God touched me.
I had another episode of anxiety lasting about 5 months straight. Doctors say, however, that anxiety lasts for few minutes at a time. So now that I have read this, I wonder if I was possessed or something? Also, what is demonic oppression? My faith, well I don’t know if I have faith, because I have so many questions that no one can answer, at least not without already having it. My husband of 10 years was raised Catholic. He went every Saturday but he does not seem to know much. We want to be people of the Church but wherever we go we feel like we do not belong. I feel so lost.
Oh, also, I was told as a teen by our pastor that I had to get all my Yin Yang symbols and burn them while praying with him. I asked why and he said that it means “good and evil together” or “equal and peace.” He said that it would never happen. Is this true?
April
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