FR. RON’S RAMBLINGS!
This weekend as we begin the month of November it is also the beginning of that time each year we set aside to honor all thos who have died. November 1 , the Feast of All Saints, is an ancient celebration in our church dating back to the ninth century. Before that it was a commemoration of those martyred for the faith but in the ninth century it was extended to include all who we believe are now in heaven, interceding for us.
November 2, the Feast of All souls is somewhat different. From the very early days of the church, people have prayed for all those who have died from the beginning of time. Over the centuries this day has been set aside to continue that tradition.
Up to the present time, we set aside not just these two feast days, but al thirty days during the month of November to pray for our deceased loved ones in particular, and all the deceased as well.
In our parish, our own tradition centers around enthroning Book of Life in both the upper and lower churches. In that book we invite you to write the names of your deceased family members and we pray for them at every Mass during the month.
We do keep these books from one year to the next. Hence, if you have entered names in previous years, they remain. WE recommend that you only enter those who have died since last November. Envelopes that are given with names on them will also be displayed along with the book during the month.
And finally another reminder that our Annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday evening, November 2 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to remember those who have died this past year.