Praying for the Living and the Dead

At every Mass, the priest goes to the altar with a particular intention. The Roman Canon calls for the priest to take a moment (this part of the Canon is called the momento) to remember the living and another “moment” to remember the dead. Acting as a mediator in the persona Christi, he offers his prayer to the Father. The members of the Body, i.e., the laity, unite their prayers to the Christ the Head in one perfect offering.  
    
As the Church Militant on earth (that’s us), we unite our prayers to the prayers of the Church Triumphant in heaven (the saints) and pray for the Church Suffering (those in purgatory). At Mass, the Mystical Body of Christ comes together in a striking way at the celebration of the Holy Mass.
    
On All Souls’ Day we offer prayers for all souls who have died. Throughout the month of November, we are called to keep them ever in mind.  As part of our obligation to pray for the dead, I suggest scheduling a Mass for a loved one, even if they died a long time ago. Remember, in particular, those who did not have a funeral Mass, which sadly is becoming more common. In addition, you can visit the cemetery, say the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and make a sacrifice for someone. These things help us to remember our love ones and help us to prepare for our own passing.
JOIN US!
November 2, 2022 - All Souls’ Day
Holy Family Parish & St. Joseph Church
8 a.m. - Holy Family Usus Antiquior
9 a.m - Lauds
9:20 a.m. - Potluck Meal  
­—Bring a dish to share in Parish Hall—

5:30 p.m. - St. Joseph Church Mass
6:15 p.m. - Potluck Meal  
—Bring a dish to share in Church Hall—