Dear Parishioners,
Today, November the 2, is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, better known as All Souls’ Day. It’s a day when we remember our deceased family and friends. But we also pray for them and all the others who have died and might be awaiting entry into Heaven. Not all the good people go there immediately. For the Bible, in talking about heaven, says “nothing profane shall enter it” (Rev 21:27) as well as Is 35:8 and Is 52:1. You see, while God forgives us in the Sacrament of Penance, we have to make up for our sins. An Our Father or Hail Mary, although a sign of repentance, doesn’t really make up for all the damage our sins have done. That’s why it is a good idea to do additional almsgiving (donations to the poor), fasting, and praying. Some good people do enough and go right to heaven, while other good people need some purgation or cleansing in Purgatory. That’s where we come in as our prayers and sacrifices shorten the time of our loved ones in Purgatory.
As we remember our dearly departed, it would be wise to think about our end here on earth. Have you made a will, and is it up to date? What about your funeral? Have you left instructions to have a funeral Mass? A funeral Mass is infinitely more effective than many rosaries in compensating for our sins. If you are considering cremation, the Church encourages the cremation take place after the funeral Mass, and the cremains be treated as a body and buried in the ground or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium at a cemetery. Keeping the cremains on the mantle over the fireplace doesn’t show the respect the deceased deserves.
Finally, we are having a novena of Masses for the dead during November; it would be an act of charity to attend one. You can find the times in the church bulletin, online, or call the parish office. Finally, finally, it would also help your loved ones to visit a cemetery, any cemetery, and pray for your loved ones. Finally, finally, finally it would be good to talk to your family, so that they remember to pray for you when your time comes.
Fr. Carl
