Some things we all do "differently" because we are forced to do so. Some things we do differently because we want and like a change of pace. Some things we do differently with the hopes of better results. Such is the case with our Holy Days and our uncoming observance of All Soul's Day.
The Solemnity of All Saint's Day is coming up this Thursday, November 1. This begins a string of HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION that will end with the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1. Firstly, please remember that Catholics are called to treat these Solemnities (along with The Immaculate Conception of Mary, December 8, and Christmas, December 25) as we do every Sunday. In other words, participation at Mass is obligatory for Catholics under the pain of mortal sin if we miss without a serious reason. In regard to all of these, we will celebrate an anticipated Mass the night before these Holy Days and a morning Mass on the actual day of the Solemnity (except on Christmas, when we will also offer a Midnight Mass). This means that we will offer Mass for the Solemnity of All Saint's this Wednesday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m. Please note the change from 6:30 p.m.). On All Saint's Day, the Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. For the few people who still work for a living, know that there are later Masses in Hot Springs at both St. John's and St. Mary's on October 31 at 6:00 p.m. PLEASE make it a priority to participate in Mass on ALL the upcoming Holy Days and receive many graces, and in the case of All Saint's Day, a reminder of the intercession of the saints for us on that day and every day.
I am also going to try something different in regards to the observance of All Soul's on November 2. It is not a Holy Day, but it is a special opportunity for us to remember and lift up our loved ones and all the "Faithful Departed" at Mass (9:00 a.m.) and in our prayers at the Sacred Heart Columbarium (right after Mass and our First Friday devotions). This year we are going to have prayers offered for our deceased at CedarVale Cemetery on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, at 1:00 p.m. I am hoping this change of date and time will lead more to participate in this remembrance and prayers for our deceased at our only local cemetery. I would like to offer the rosary at the cemetery at that time, so if you come, you might choose to bring a folding chair.
I hope that these "differences" will be positive for most people and lead us to gather willingly, and with a sense of purpose, to give praise to the Lord for all the good He has done and continues to do for us and for so many.
The Solemnity of All Saint's Day is coming up this Thursday, November 1. This begins a string of HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION that will end with the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1. Firstly, please remember that Catholics are called to treat these Solemnities (along with The Immaculate Conception of Mary, December 8, and Christmas, December 25) as we do every Sunday. In other words, participation at Mass is obligatory for Catholics under the pain of mortal sin if we miss without a serious reason. In regard to all of these, we will celebrate an anticipated Mass the night before these Holy Days and a morning Mass on the actual day of the Solemnity (except on Christmas, when we will also offer a Midnight Mass). This means that we will offer Mass for the Solemnity of All Saint's this Wednesday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m. Please note the change from 6:30 p.m.). On All Saint's Day, the Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. For the few people who still work for a living, know that there are later Masses in Hot Springs at both St. John's and St. Mary's on October 31 at 6:00 p.m. PLEASE make it a priority to participate in Mass on ALL the upcoming Holy Days and receive many graces, and in the case of All Saint's Day, a reminder of the intercession of the saints for us on that day and every day.
I am also going to try something different in regards to the observance of All Soul's on November 2. It is not a Holy Day, but it is a special opportunity for us to remember and lift up our loved ones and all the "Faithful Departed" at Mass (9:00 a.m.) and in our prayers at the Sacred Heart Columbarium (right after Mass and our First Friday devotions). This year we are going to have prayers offered for our deceased at CedarVale Cemetery on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, at 1:00 p.m. I am hoping this change of date and time will lead more to participate in this remembrance and prayers for our deceased at our only local cemetery. I would like to offer the rosary at the cemetery at that time, so if you come, you might choose to bring a folding chair.
I hope that these "differences" will be positive for most people and lead us to gather willingly, and with a sense of purpose, to give praise to the Lord for all the good He has done and continues to do for us and for so many.