REMEMBERING those who've gone before
As you decorate, get costumes ready and stock up on candy for the hoard of trick-or-treaters who will soon be knocking at your door, don't forget to prepare and celebrate the Holy Days from which the modern day celebration of Halloween springs: All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2).
On these days we celebrate our belief in the Communion of Saints. The Communion of Saints is the mystical Body of Christ, the Church. There are three states of the Church: "at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating 'in full light, God himself...'" (*CCC 954). |
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We are the pilgrim Church here on earth, and on All Saints Day we remember, honor and celebrate all those who are in glory in heaven with God. Some Saints we know and are recognized (canonized) by the Church, like St. Patrick or St. Maximilian Kolbe; other saints that we honor on this day are not "known" to us in this same way, they have not been canonized. If you are in heaven- you're a saint. So, you are celebrating your loved ones in heaven on this day.
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On All Souls Day, we remember and pray for those who have died, but have not yet reached the glory of heaven. "All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven." (*CCC 1030).
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Father Mike gives a great explanation of purgatory-watch!
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Participating in the celebration of Mass on these holy days is at the center of our observances and then moves into our homes and our "domestic church." Just as you'd celebrate a birthday or another holiday with a special meal- do likewise on on All Saints & All Souls. Invite friends and family over to join you if you want. Have your children make name cards for the special "guests" you'll be remembering at your meal. If you are remembering St. Pope John Paul II- have a stories or info about his life to share, as well as a Polish dish like pierogi. If you are remembering your Nana at dinner- share pictures and stories and perhaps a recipe that she was fond of.
Another way to celebrate these holy days is to go to the cemetery- visit the final resting place of your loved ones and offer a prayer for them while you are there. And of course, stories and memories with your children. If they are buried in a Catholic cemetery- check with the parish that it belongs to, to see if and when they will have a Blessing of the Graves prayer service and attend with your family. In many European cultures, the faithful leave lighted candles on their family member's graves for All Souls- a symbol of their faith in resurrection and eternal life. (FYI- check with the cemetery office before doing that here in the USA- a solar option is safest!)
The point is to remember those who have gone before us in faith. To honor, remember, learn from their example and pray. Below is a prayer from A Christian's Prayer Book by Franciscan Herald Press that you can use at your All Souls and All Saints celebrations.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
Father, you are the source of all holiness. Through the prayers and examples of your saints, lead us to holy lives.
As you have called us to be perfect in love, so make us perfect in your service.
Lord, Jesus Christ, you came to serve, not to be served.
Make us truly humble in your service and in service to our brothers and sisters.
The saints bore your cross willingly throughout their lives; enable us to bear any suffering in this life for your sake.
We thank you, Lord, for those who have chosen poverty or solitude for your sake, for men and women of prayer, for saints in every walk of life and for all who in purity of life have endured pain with patience in the strength of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
*CCC-Catechism of the Catholic Church
Another way to celebrate these holy days is to go to the cemetery- visit the final resting place of your loved ones and offer a prayer for them while you are there. And of course, stories and memories with your children. If they are buried in a Catholic cemetery- check with the parish that it belongs to, to see if and when they will have a Blessing of the Graves prayer service and attend with your family. In many European cultures, the faithful leave lighted candles on their family member's graves for All Souls- a symbol of their faith in resurrection and eternal life. (FYI- check with the cemetery office before doing that here in the USA- a solar option is safest!)
The point is to remember those who have gone before us in faith. To honor, remember, learn from their example and pray. Below is a prayer from A Christian's Prayer Book by Franciscan Herald Press that you can use at your All Souls and All Saints celebrations.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
Father, you are the source of all holiness. Through the prayers and examples of your saints, lead us to holy lives.
As you have called us to be perfect in love, so make us perfect in your service.
Lord, Jesus Christ, you came to serve, not to be served.
Make us truly humble in your service and in service to our brothers and sisters.
The saints bore your cross willingly throughout their lives; enable us to bear any suffering in this life for your sake.
We thank you, Lord, for those who have chosen poverty or solitude for your sake, for men and women of prayer, for saints in every walk of life and for all who in purity of life have endured pain with patience in the strength of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
*CCC-Catechism of the Catholic Church