Welcome to the Guiding Star, a monthly newsletter sharing tips and activities to help build and strengthen your Domestic Church. What is your Domestic Church? “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) Visit the USCCB website on the Domestic Church for more practical ways to demonstrate and encourage a rich life of faith at home.
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. We remember and pray for those who have died but whose souls still require final purification before entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.” (1030 & 1031)
Our prayers for those in Purgatory give them the spiritual assistance they need to get to Heaven. When we pray for the dead, we are doing an act of Spiritual Mercy. This is a great time as a family to discuss all of the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
The central day of prayer for the souls in Purgatory is All Souls Day, November 2nd. It is also referred to as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
During the medieval period, poor people and children called "soulers" would go door-to-door during Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day. They sang songs and offered prayers for the givers' departed relatives in exchange for soul cakes. People believed that eating a soul cake helped free a soul from purgatory. This old custom is widely seen as an early ancestor of modern trick-or-treating.
For Family Discussion...
What is a recipe, song, or tradition from a loved one who passed that always makes you feel connected to them when you experience it?
The Sharing Corner: How does your family observe this month's dedication?
At my school, we have a procession to the parish's columbarium to pray for the souls of those who have died.
Next month we want to know: How does your family lift up the meaning of Advent in your home? Reply to this email with your response. You may be featured in next month's Sharing Corner.
Upcoming Parish Events
Fall Festival - November 7th
Parish Day of Service - November 14th
See the parish bulletin for details of all events.