Dear Parish Family,
As we draw near to the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, our hearts turn with love and hope toward those who have gone before us in faith. The month of November invites us to remember the dead and to renew our trust in the promise of eternal life that Christ has won for us.
We invite you to take part in our Altars of Remembrance by bringing a framed photo of your deceased loved one to church this weekend, October 25–26. These photos will remain on display in the church through the weekend of November 22–23, serving as a visible sign of the love and connection we continue to share with those who have died. Whether your loved one passed away recently or many years ago, we welcome their image among us as we pray for all the faithful departed. Please clearly label the back of your frame with your name and phone number so we can return it to you afterward.
This year, All Saints Day (Saturday, November 1) is not a Holy Day of Obligation, but we are still encouraged to give thanks for all the saints in heaven—the great cloud of witnesses who inspire us and intercede for us before the Lord.
We will commemorate All Souls Day at all weekend Masses on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2. During the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM, we will hold a special Remembrance Ceremony in which we will read the names of all parishioners who have died during the past year and light candles in their memory. This moving moment of prayer allows our community to lift up those most recently called home to God’s mercy and to unite in prayer for their eternal rest.
After the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday, November 1, please join us in Gallagher Hall for our All Saints Day Party. We will provide pizza, and we invite everyone to bring a dish to share so that our table reflects the generosity of our parish family. To help us prepare, please RSVP to Greg Cummings at gcummings@ihmercer.org by Wednesday, October 29. All are warmly welcome!
May these holy days draw us closer to one another and to our Lord Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and opened for us the way to everlasting life.
Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy