ALL SAINTS/ALL SOULS

                This week we are celebrating Halloween. Halloween actually has grown out of two feasts that the Catholic Church also celebrates this week. The Feast of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed are the impetus behind the celebration of Halloween.

                The Solemnity of All Saints (November 1st) is dedicated to the saints of the Church named and unnamed and may even include people we have known who have lived a saintly life.

                November 2nd, the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, or All Souls, is dedicated to all our loved ones who have died. This day we remember all those who especially died this past year.

                Throughout the whole month of November we will pray for our deceased relatives and friends. While November 2nd is the liturgical celebration of all the faithful departed, the entire month of November has become associated with praying for our departed loved ones.

                Catholics celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day in the belief that there is a prayerful spiritual communion with those who have died. Catholics also believe that through the prayers of the faithful on earth, the dead are cleansed of their sins so they may enter into heaven.

                Let us remember with devotion all who have preceded us in faith and now rest in the hands of God.