The First Amendment ensures our freedom to practice our Catholicism. Sadly, the government has recently made steps discouraging the public practice of our faith. The word "God" or anything religious in nature are being removed from government properties (like, the recent debate on the Pledge of Allegiance and displaying the Ten Commandments at Courthouses). It is frowned on and a cause of controversy for a person to express their religion at work or in a place shared with the public: the "separation of church and state" taken to an extreme.

There are many Bible verses and quotes from the Catholic Church's great minds that support both an external, almost brazen expression of our Catholicism despite persecution: the example of Christ and His martyrs, for example, should be role models for those facing chastisement and condemnation (and, even death) for publicly professing their beliefs. On the other hand, Christ did also teach a more private, internalized form of spirituality, as heard in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18): that we should do things not for others to see, not to boast our faith, but to practice it for God's eyes only.

What it amounts to is summed up in Ecclesiastes: there is a time to stand and identify oneself as a Catholic--and, there is a time to live it quietly in the heart. God knows the true intention behind the act. So for those moments when we need to be a little more discreet about our Devotions, here are some suggested items that will help transform us into covert Catholics.

Rosaries

Bringing out the five-decade Rosary to pray on the bus during one’s morning commute or lunch break may be discomforting to some--we may also own a Rosary that is expensive or priceless, an heirloom or item of sentimental value maybe, that we would rather not bring with us daily. An affordable alternative would be a Chaplet Rosary or Finger Rosary, which usually has a crucifix or cross and a decade of beads. They fit in the hand and are portable in a pocket or purse, and can be used concealed in the palm and fingers. (The Irish Penal Rosary is a single-decade Rosary used in Ireland when it was illegal to practice Catholicism; a great, symbolic item for those persecuted for their faith.)

Alternative Rosaries

Another way to count those decades other than on the fingers is to get a Sterling Silver Rosary Ring. This item doubles as a classy piece of jewelry that is worn as a reminder to pray while serving as a means of keeping track of the prayers. The Gold Rosary Coin is a durable token that can easily be carried and hidden as well. The modern age has also given us another option: purchase and upload the Rosary on CD to listen to the Rosary on an iPod or mp3 player.

Pocket-Sized Bibles and Prayer Books, The Bible on CD

There are several editions of Bibles and Prayer Books that one can easily carry in a pocket, bag, backpack, briefcase, or purse. These resources on one's person helps promote healthy and devout Christian living as the Word of God is a readily accessible reference when encountering life's challenges. These pocket-size items carry an immeasurable wealth of wisdom and spiritual comfort and aid. A great way to familiarize oneself with Sacred Scripture is to play it on CD in one's car on the daily commute or long trips, or, upload it to an iPod or mp3 player for private listening.