Things to talk about:

• How do you feel knowing that Jesus promises not to reject anyone who comes to Him?
• What do you think life will be like when Jesus raises us on the last day?
• Do you have stories about the people closest to you who have died? Share how their love has formed you.
• How can we apply the message of this Gospel in our daily lives?

Things to do:

• For the month of November, create a prayer space in your home that includes remembrances of those who have died. Include a notebook or sheet of paper to add the names of people you know who have died. You might also include a photo. Pray daily the Church’s prayer for the dead, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.”
• Locate the Paschal candle in the Church (near the Baptismal font). At each funeral, the paschal candle is lit. It is a reminder that on the day of our Baptism we share in the promise of Christ’s resurrection. If we keep the flame alive in our hearts, we will be with Jesus forever.
• One of the Corporal Works of Mercy is to bury the dead. A Spiritual Work of Mercy is to pray for the dead. This month, think about how you can accomplish these works of mercy: pray at the grave site of a loved one; each day pray for all people who have died, including members of our parish (names of those who recently passed are listed in the bulletin); consider offering a Mass for the intention of someone close to you has died. (You can schedule a Mass for someone by contacting Linda (lrega@transfiguration.com).
• The first full week of November is National Vocation Awareness Week. Take time this week to ask God how he is calling you to serve his Church. Also, pray for those discerning the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, or single life. Please remember to pray for the priests and deacons who serve and have so generously served at Transfiguration. For vocations events scheduled locally, click HERE.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for the Dead

In November, as a Church, we pray for those who have passed away.

Into your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In a special way we remember [name anyone who has passed away].
In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now rom every evil and give them eternal rest. The old order has passed away:
welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever. Amen.

(Adapted from Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.)

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

On the Feast of All Souls, we pray for the souls of all those who have died. In the Creed we pray, “…and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.” It is the promise on which we base our hope for eternal life for ourselves and for all who have died. In his death and Resurrection, Jesus has conquered death for all those who believe in him.

We also celebrate the Communion of Saints. Tradition teaches that the saints in heaven, those who have died, and we on earth are all connected.

Did you know… that Catholics believe that after death, the soul will continue to exist? The soul refers to the innermost aspect of us, that which is of the greatest value; that which is most especially in God’s image: “soul” signifies the spiritual principle in humans. (CCC, 363) While the body is created by human parents, the soul is an eternal creation and gift from God, and thus at the final resurrection both body and soul will be reunited. (CCC, 366)

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection