Newsletter — Thirtieth Sunday of the Year A-29th October 2023
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All Souls – Month of November
November is a month, beginning with All Souls Day, we specially set apart to remember and pray for our dear ones who have gone to their eternal reward, for the repose of their souls. This practice dates back right to the 1st century passed on by the early Church. Remember us who have gone before you, in your prayers,” is a petition often found inscribed on the walls of the Roman catacombs (Lumen Gentium 50).
How do we help the “Holy Souls”? 2nd Maccabees tells us; “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they might be loosed from their sins” (2 Macc. 12:45). The Catechism (CCC #1032) recommends prayer for the dead in conjunction with the offering of the Eucharistic Sacrifice. God has set up the economy of salvation so that our deeds of love offered in union with Christ’s own sacrifice may help others. Christ calls us to be co-redeemers with him. Just as his passion, death and resurrection brought salvation to the whole human race, so our deeds of love united to his, by God’s own design, can help those who have gone before us.
If I were to ask what is the best thing you can do for a loved one who has died what would you say? A funeral to talk about them? A nice grave and headstone? A tree, plant or a beautiful flower? Have a wonderful reception? Yes, all those things are nice. But the best gift is prayer because that is the only thing that can help them on their journey to the Lord. Someone recently put at the end of their will, “Please don’t spend time talking about me, spend time praying for me.”
Eternal rest grant upon them Oh Lord, may perpetual light shine upon them
and may their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen
Mass for the Deceased of the Parish
Dear Friends, on Wednesday November 8th there will be a Mass at 7:30pm to pray for all those who have passed away in the parish, especially in the last 12 months. A display board will be placed near the sanctuary and we will be inviting all those attending to post images of their loved ones and during the mass we will offer up our prayers for the repose of the souls of our faithful departed.
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