All Saints Day, Nov. 1 and All Souls Day, Nov. 2; are days when we remember all those who have gone before us. On All Saints Day we focus on all those saints who have gone before us and who pray for us and we for them. Catholics reason that if the saints are family with us, then our family on the other side should pray for one another, just as our family and friends on this side pray for us. On All Souls Day Catholics remember also that we believe that our prayers might be valuable for those who have died and are troubled. Catholics would see that maybe God might be “working on someone” on the other side who was confused or hurt in life and so not open to God’s love. It makes sense that if someone was terribly mistreated in this life, and died in complete confusion, that maybe they would not be open to God, initially, but that God would not give up on them. Catholics pray, on All Souls Day, for all those of sincere heart who may not yet have experienced the fullness of God’s love. You can remember your loved ones (or those who have no one to pray for them) in some special ways during the month of November through the following activities:
All Saints Day is on Sunday this year. All the Masses for the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1 will be celebrated for All Saints Day.
There will be an ALL SOULS DAY Mass at 7pm on Mon. Nov. 2 (IN THE CHAPEL.) The names of all those who have died will be read at that Mass.
There will also be a “Mass of Remembrance,” on Sunday Nov. 8 at the 11am Mass, followed by a reception. At this Mass we will again read the names of those who have died and will also LIGHT A CANDLE as the name of each loved one who has died is read at the front of the church. Please call your names in to the parish office by Thursday, Nov. 5.
Throughout the month of November we will also display the “Parish Book of Life” which we will refer to all our parish Masses throughout the month. In this book all parishioners are invited to write down the names of anyone who has died for whom they would like prayers.
Please know of our continued prayers for those who miss a loved ones. We do have a bereavement group that meets monthly and also has a seven-week long course every spring. Contact Dave at dmkonschnik@gmail.com.
And we have a “Single Again” group for those who have are divorced, separated or widowed. Contact Paul at pnatishan@aol.com.
There is an envelope in your envelope packet for the All Souls Day. Please list all the names of those whom you wish to be remembered on the back of the All Souls Envelope included in those which were sent to you from the parish (or which you will be able to find in the gathering space.)