As we enter the month of November, the Church invites us into a sacred time of remembrance and prayer for all the faithful departed. On November 2nd, we commemorate All Souls’ Day—a solemn occasion to lift up in prayer our beloved family members, friends, and all souls who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. This is not a day of sorrow, but of hope rooted in the Resurrection of Christ, who conquered death and opened the gates of eternal life.

This year, our remembrance is beautifully enriched by the Feast of St. Martin de Porres, celebrated on November 3rd. St. Martin, known for his humility, compassion, and tireless service to the poor and sick, reminds us of the power of love and mercy. His life was a living prayer, and his devotion to the suffering and forgotten mirrors our call to remember those who may have no one to pray for them.

We invite you to bring your All Souls prayer intention envelopes to the parish. These envelopes will be placed near the altar and kept throughout the entire month of November. Each name written is a soul we entrust to God’s infinite mercy. As a community, we will pray daily for these intentions, asking the Lord to grant eternal rest and peace to our departed loved ones.

November is a month of grace and remembrance, especially for the souls of our departed loved ones. The Church offers a special opportunity for indulgences during this time, particularly from November 1st to 8th. By devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying—even silently—for the souls of the faithful departed, the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence each day, applicable only to the souls in purgatory. On November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, this indulgence is especially meaningful as we unite in prayer for all who have gone before us.

To honor this tradition, we warmly invite you to join us for a special Mass at 1 PM on November 2nd at Valhalla Cemetery. After the Mass I will also bless the graves of our beloved departed. It is a beautiful way to express our love, offer our prayers, and entrust their souls to God’s infinite mercy.

Let us come together as a community of faith, not only to remember but to actively participate in the spiritual works of mercy. Through prayer, presence, and the offering of indulgences, we affirm our hope in the resurrection and the communion of saints. May this month be filled with peace, reflection, and the comforting assurance that our prayers truly matter.

“Eternal Rest Grant them O Lord, and let perpetual Light shine on them always.”

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley