Dear Sunday Mass Faith Community and Friends,

“Life has changed not ended.” These words from the Preface for the Mass of the Dead remind us that the loss of a loved one is not the end but the beginning of an eternity journey with God. It is not always easy for us to understand especially when we must continue without their physical presence in our life but as the Book of Wisdom says, “they are at peace.” (Wisdom 3:3)

For those of you who have lost loved ones or friends recently I know it is not an easy time. You hear the words that life has changed for them not ended and they are at peace, but the emotions of their passing still linger. I offer you my prayers and an opportunity to remember them.

As you know, here at The Sunday Mass, we remember our deceased loved ones in our intentions each Sunday when we celebrate the Eucharist. The memorial of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection is the perfect celebration in which to call to mind the eternal communion of saints in which our loved ones now participate. The lives of those who have gone before us continue to inspire us and call us beyond ourselves to a higher place. Let us honor their lives by joining our prayers with theirs.

On Sunday November 2nd, All Soul’s Day, we as a community of faith will come together thanks to television and the internet and celebrate Holy Eucharist to honor Sunday and to remember all deceased loved ones in a special way. It is what we do every Sunday but on November 2nd we will honor, remember and give thanks together for all the important people who have passed from this life to eternal life. Not only will we remember all your deceased loved ones on November 2nd but also, we will continue to remember them on all the Sundays of November.

November is also the month of Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for people and the many graces, gifts, and blessings in our lives. It is important to take time to be thankful for life itself and for the people, the graces, and the blessing of life. So not only do we remember those who have gone before us, but we also give thanks for our journey through life.

I invite you to send us the names of those you want us to remember and pray for on All Soul’s Day and throughout the Sundays of November and all the people and things you are thankful for. Please write the names of the people you want to remember and all you are thankful for on the slip of paper below and mail it back to us. We will put all the intentions we receive in the basket next to the altar during The Sunday Mass. This will be a visible sign of the people remembered and our thankfulness.

Thank you for your continued participation in and support of The Sunday Mass. May God bless your generosity and commitment! Please accept the enclosed Prayer Card as a token of our thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation.

Peace in Christ’s Passion,

Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P.
Shepherd of The Sunday Mass Faith Community