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Remembering All Souls

by Fr. Bob Deehan  |  11/08/2026  |  Pastor's Corner

In this month of November, the Church remembers all of the faithful departed, commonly known as the month of All Souls. It is a month when we pray in a special way for all of those who have died, and particularly for those who have need for purification before being united to the Lord in heaven, traditionally known as purgatory.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1030) explains it this way, “All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” The effects of the sin remain, and so, this brings about a cleansing of residual attitudes and attachments to sin.

Here in our church, we have a Book of Remembrance on a table in front of the altar for people to write the names of their deceased loved ones. The names of individuals whose funerals took place here at Holy Family this past year have already been written there. You are invited to add the names of your deceased loved ones in this book. As a parish community, we are encouraged to remember in prayer all of those listed in the Book of Remembrance – and all who have died. It is also a tradition in our Church that a specific intention can be reserved at a Mass, most often for a deceased loved one, which can be scheduled near the anniversary of their death. You will notice in our parish bulletin the names of the deceased from whom Masses will be offered in a special way during the upcoming week. You are welcome to request a Mass to be offered for a deceased loved one by contacting Kristen in the parish office at 781- 934-5055. “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

God bless you!