Faith

Embracing All Saints and All Souls: A Catholic Perspective on Halloween

As we enter the latter part of October, the topic of Halloween inevitably arises. As a Catholic community it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the rich traditions of our faith 

While the primary focus of Church teachings rests on life and resurrection, the reality of death and the hope of eternal life are also central to our beliefs. 

Understanding the Catholic Origins

The term "Halloween" is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve," the evening before the solemnity of All Saints' Day (November 1st), which is immediately followed by All Souls' Day (November 2nd). This three-day observance is a profound time in the Church calendar:

• All Saints' Day celebrates all those holy men and women known and unknown who have joined the communion of Saints in Heaven. This includes those people who have touched our lives and felt like saints to us, but may never become a canonised saint. All Saints’ Day invites us to remember: we are part of a story woven together with love, memory, and connection.

• All Souls' Day is a time when we prayerfully remember and intercede for all the those who have gone before us departed.

   

By focusing on All Saints and All Souls, we teach our children not to fear death but to embrace the Communion of Saints and the hope of heaven. It is a time to celebrate holiness and pray for those who have gone before us.

We wish your family a holy and reflective observance of this significant time in our liturgical year.