Catholic Identity and Mission 

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

All Saints Day

Sunday is the Feast of All Saints Day.  In the Catholic Church this day invites us to pray for and with, the Saints who are in heaven.  In the Apostle's Creed, we declare that we believe in the Communion of Saints which is the spiritual union of the living saints and those in heaven.  For all Saints Day, the Saints in heaven are the deceased  with whom we are connected spiritually.  The communion of saints also extends to the living, in who the spirit is at work..  It is a connection that exists through a love of God which helps us carry out the mission of love given to us by Christ.

The Confirmation candidates have been investigating Saints to take a new name for their initiation into the Church.  This connection with their chosen Saint is one that last for all time.  I wonder if you remember your Confirmation name and the Saint you chose for this special occasion?

Many Catholics have a special Saint they pray to for particular needs..  We pray to the Saints to ask then to intercede on our behalf.  Our prayers are spoken to the Saints to be offered to God in all God's compassion and wisdom.

Monday 2nd of November is All Soul's Day.  This day is offered in prayer for the deceased as we pray for them to enter into heaven.  We offer these prayers as the deceased are unable to pray for themselves.  A simple prayer for this need is the following;

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Finally this exert from the webpage Virgo Clemens, gives further insight into the meaning behind All Saints and All Souls Day.

“Since all the faithful form one body, the good of each is communicated to the others…. We must therefore believe that there exists a communion of goods in the Church. But the most important member is Christ, since he is the head…. Therefore, the riches of Christ are communicated to all the members, through the sacraments.”

https://virgoclemens.wordpress.com/2017/01/19/communion-of-saints-in-spiritual-goods/  Posted on January 19, 2017  Sourced on 27/10/20

All Saints Day Prayer

You are our God and we are Your people, and we are grateful that You have claimed us as your own. You have set us in the company of saints past and present, among those who have made bold witness to Your goodness and Your truth. Your Word opens up new futures where we see no way forward.

You know the places in our hearts where we are afraid

— afraid of a future we cannot control;

— afraid of losing health and independence

— afraid for the well-being of our children

— afraid that past mistakes will ruin our future

Write the stories of your people deep into our hearts so that we may learn to trust you beyond our fears. Give us hearts and minds and spirits ready to trust and follow wherever your Spirit leads, confident that you will not lead us beyond your loving embrace. 

We ask in Jesus’ name whose outstretched arms welcome us and hold us securely in your grace. 

~ written by Christine Jerrett, and posted on the Christine Jerrett blog. https://christinejerrett.wordpress.com/

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Next Wednesday, 4th November we have our last Sacramental Meeting which is our practice for the actual Confirmation and First Eucharist  Mass.  Please invite your child's sponsor to the practice.  The practice will be at The Good Shepherd Church, Clearview.  We will begin the practice at 6.30 pm.  We look forward to this day on Friday, 6th November when they will celebrate their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.