Although our love and care for our beloved dead is expressed each week at our parish in many ways through our funerals, Mass intentions, prayers of the faithful, devotions, private prayer, and cemetery visits, the month of November is set aside in a special way for prayers for the dead.
On November 2nd, we celebrate The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as “All Souls Day.” The tradition of All Souls Day dates back to the early centuries of Christianity and is a testament to the enduring belief in the spiritual solidarity between the living and the dead. This day is rooted in the belief that through prayer, intercessions, and the Mass, the living can help cleanse the souls of the departed, aiding their journey to heaven.
As a beautiful precursor to this special month of November, we offer an annual Rosary Procession at St. John’s Cemetery this coming Sunday afternoon to pray for our beloved dead. This is one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Therefore, it certainly is praiseworthy and commendable to participate in this procession.
Please join us on Sunday, September 29 at 3pm at St. John’s Cemetery to pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Families with young children certainly should feel free to bring strollers and wagons for this procession through the cemetery. We will begin and end our procession at the cemetery garage.
Please plan to stay for some apple cider and refreshments afterwards. This is a rain or shine event, but presently the weather report looks glorious. Please plan to join us.