Mon., Nov. 2: Wis 3:1-9; Rom 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

The souls of the just are in the hands of God: In our parish we have a comforting custom. On the first Sunday of November and on All Souls Day itself, we sing the Litany of Saints as the gathering song. (We prefer the arrangement by John Becker.) After all ministers are in place — having walked slowly, slowly — the accompanist continues as the lector or other minister reads the names of parishioners who have died during the past year. We also issue a holy card with those names. In addition to being a ritualized and very lovely reminder of those who have gone before it us, it’s also comforting to know that when we die, our names will be spoken aloud in church. We all want to be remembered.

*For our loved ones who have died, for those who mourn their passing and for all who are preparing for death, we pray.