Pastor Christopher Hoffman of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona recently talked about the use of signs and symbols in Catholic worship.

The Protestant Reformation created this common belief that worship was lost in symbols and many reformers began to move away from using them.

“God created us with senses to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste," Hoffman said in the church's Sept. 13 bulletin. "Therefore the liturgy tries to engage all the senses as well. One way this occurs is the use of color. Throughout the year the Church uses different colors in environment and vesture to show the changes in season and temperament. In Advent, although violet is the official color, it is suggested that it not be the same as Lent, but that it be closer to deep blue color symbolizing the darkness of night waiting for the dawn to arise. The lighting of an Advent wreath and the lighting of candles is a reminder that Christ is the light that has come into darkness. When we have Christ we have light."

Hoffman also shared that seasons of joy, such as Easter and Christmas, can be shared by the colors white or gold. Violent or purple are to remind of repentance, such as Lent; green is a sign of hope or growth; black is for All Souls Day; etc.

Water is another commonly used symbol, representing cleansing or new life; and incense is a sign of prayer.

“As our prayer rises before God, so the incense symbolizes that movement," Hoffman said. "It is a sign of sacrifice. Incense is made from the resin of trees. It is precious, yet in order to use it, it must be destroyed. In a similar way, our lives are spent in service and prayer to God and our neighbor and the result is a pleasing fragrance before the Lord. 

"Finally, incense is a sign of blessing. When we use the incense at the Gospel or over the bread and wine we are asking a blessing of those elements. When the deacon or priest incenses the congregation it is expected that you will rise and bow to him as he blesses you. It is a sign of reverence that you are truly a holy nation dedicated to the Lord."