Do you have a favorite saint?

There are more than 10,000 saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church and that number grows every year. In fact, it should be our goal as Catholic Christians to aspire to be saints ourselves!

As All Saints Day arrives, take the time to learn more about some of our newest Catholic Saints!

As we engage together in this second year of the National Eucharistic Revival, let's spend some time growing in our understanding of the Mass, and the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of our faith.

During the Eucharistic Prayer, you often hear the names of many of our Catholic saints. In particular, in the First Eucharistic Prayer, we hear a long list of saints. Did you ever wonder who they are? Learn more about the Saints of the Roman Canon in the link below:

SUNDAY READINGS:

THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm

Click on the links below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in the Mass!

Sunday Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111223.cfm

FAMILY FAITH CONVERSATION: On November 5, one of the themes you will hear in the readings is about leadership and power. Jesus says that to lead, we must be humble and serve others. How can you show your Christian leadership in your school or community by being a help to others?

This week, we have two major days in our Liturgical Year. November 1 is All Saints Day; a Holy Day of Obligation, and November 2 is All Souls Day. Learn more about both by clicking on the link below:

Learn more about the saints while playing this fun family bingo game from My Catholic Kids

On November 2, we observe All Soul's Day also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. At Catholic funerals and often on All Soul's Day, the following prayer is used to remember those that have died.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Each edition, we will share ways your family can serve others!

Now is the time to sign up to sponsor a family's Thanksgiving meal. If this yearly service to others is not sponsored by your parish, you can also check with Catholic Charities (https://www.fcscharities.org/donate/share-the-joy/), area soup kitchens and even local YMCAs. If it is too much to sponsor an entire family meal, consider gathering with a group of friends or family to pool resources. Some soup kitchens also collect parts of the meal such as home-baked pies, or even decorations made my families!

What was a favorite meal or treat that a now deceased friend or family member often made? Do you have the recipe? Or maybe that beloved family member had a food they always enjoyed? Plan a special meal of remembrance by finding a recipe to remember one who has passed. Share stories about the loved one. In many cultures, All Souls Day is a day to picnic at the graveside of loved ones. It is a joyful time to remember them with fondness and carry on their legacy by passing down stories of that person to younger generations! Share a special prayer and celebrate their life. This can be a nice way to help your child understand death and not be scared of one of life's most difficult realities.

Many families have a tradition of welcoming a guest to Thanksgiving dinner who may not have anywhere else to go. As we enter into November, is there someone in your life who might need to be welcomed to your home? Now is the time for invitations to your meal and a wonderful way to demonstrate love of neighbor to your kids!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Debtor in Possession

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!