Newsletter November 2nd 2025 / All Souls Day

There are several practical ways Catholics can observe All Souls’ Day.

* One of the most important is attending Mass. By going to Mass, we pray for the dead and offer the sacrifice of the Eucharist for their benefit.

* Another common practice is visiting cemeteries. Many Catholics visit the graves of their loved ones to pray for them. This is a way to show respect and remember the dead. Some people bring flowers or candles to place at the graves. While there, they can say prayers like the Rosary or other prayers for the souls in Purgatory.

* Offering specific prayers for the dead is a powerful way to help them. The Church encourages prayers like the Eternal Rest prayer, which asks God to grant peace to the souls in Purgatory. The Rosary is also a popular choice, as it asks for Mary’s intercession for those who have died.

* Another way to participate is by offering sacrifices or acts of penance for the souls in Purgatory. This could mean fasting, giving up something for a day, or offering a small act of charity. These sacrifices, when united with prayer, can help the souls move closer to Heaven.

In these simple ways, Catholics can participate in All Souls’ Day and show love for the dead.

Each action, no matter how small, helps the souls in Purgatory and brings us closer to God and each other.

Mass Readings for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)

• First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9: The just are safe with God, appearing dead only to the foolish. They are tested like gold and will be greatly blessed. In the future, they will shine and rule, forever guided by God’s love and wisdom.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd who provides and protects. He leads me through life’s challenges and blesses me. I will live in His house forever, surrounded by goodness and kindness.
• Second Reading: Romans 6:3-9: Through baptism, we die and rise with Christ, freeing us from sin’s grip. This unites us with His resurrection, confirming that death no longer holds power over Him or us.
• Gospel: John 6:37-40: Jesus assures that anyone who comes to him will not be turned away. He is doing the will of the Father, which is to lose none that the Father gives him but to raise them up at the last day. Eternal life is promised to those who believe in him.