This month begins with a focus on the Saints in Heaven and the Souls in Purgatory and ends with the beginning of Advent.
We remember all those beautiful people who have gone before us. Some of them have been declared Saints by the Church and they give us an example to strive towards. We ask them to lift our prayers to the Lord.
There are others who have passed on and they need our prayers. They are in Purgatory and our Church teaches that our prayers for them are powerful. See the links on this page to learn more about the teaching of Purgatory.
We encourage your family to take time this month to pray for these people who have passed on. Maybe they are people you know or maybe you can pray for those who have no one to pray for them. Imagine what it will be like some day when you get to heaven and you can meet all those souls that you've prayed for as they come and say thank you.
Some ways to do this:
*You can make a list of all your loved ones that have died and pray for them each night.
*You can visit a cemetery and look at different headstones and pray for those people.
All Saints Day: November 1st - This is the day we celebrate all the holy men and women who loved God in a unique way and showed extrordinary virtue. Consider celebrating them all month. See the links for a beautiful Litany of the Saints prayer.
All Souls Day: November 2nd - This day starts a month of praying for all the souls who have died. Consider bringing out some pictures of family members who have passed on and placing them on a table with some candles and creating a routine of praying for them.
St. Martin de Porres: November 3rd - From Lima, Peru and lived a difficult life due to prejudice and poverty. But, he was always generous with his time and love. He is known for being a Dominican brother, doing the lowliest tasks, medically caring for others, and even talking to mice. You could make some mouse cupcakes (see link on this page) to celebrate.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary: November 17th - She was a princess who secretly gave bread to the poor. One day, as she was about to be caught, the bread turned into roses. Maybe bake some bread today and give it to a neighbor or someone you love.
St. Cecilia: November 22th - Patron saint of musicians. She lived in Rome and was an wonderful example of purity and faithfullness. She converted her husband and survived death multiple times. Learn more about her in the links and maybe try making the piano snack (wafer cookies as the white keys laid out with KitKats as the black keys) while you listen to some praise music.
Advent Begins: November 29th - Time to get out the candles and start to celebrate the coming of Jesus as a baby. Watch for more Advent ideas coming soon.