Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

It’s hard to believe we are less than a week from November. For Catholics, a major dimension of this month is that it is a time when we more intentionally remember our beloved deceased. This begins with the celebration of All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation, on November 1^st (see Mass schedule on pages 4 & 5) when we remember and honor the saints whose lives reflect such diverse models of holiness. The following day, November 2^nd, is the Commemoration for All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). As the title suggests, it is a day for us to remember all who have gone home to God. 

Here at Resurrection, we will have our annual Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day at the 11:30 a.m. daily Mass at St. Thomas More. At this Mass, we will read the names of the 107 souls buried from the parish since the Mass last year. A family member or friend will be invited to come forward and light a candle in honor of the deceased person. All are welcome to attend this special Mass.
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Additionally, during this month, we will have a display within each church with the names of the deceased. We will also have the Book of the Dead on a pedestal near this display where parishioners can add names of deceased loved ones for whom the parish will pray throughout November.
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The parish Bereavement Ministry is presenting a program called Grief and the Holidays on Saturday, November 16^th from 10:00–11:30 a.m. in the Chelsea/Utopia Rooms at St. Thomas More. This morning is for those who are grieving to have time together to remember their loved ones and have some support as we head into the holiday season. More information will be in the bulletin.
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Please be in touch if you would like to be part of our parish bereavement ministry.
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May God’s care continue to be with us as we remember our deceased, who have loved us into who we are. May God be with those who are grieving and may our parish family be present to them as signs of God’s love. Amen.
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Mary Swindal,
Pastoral Associate