November is more than the lead-up to Christmas, it is an important month in our Catholic calendar where we remember those who have died. It is a time when we pray for deceased family members and friends, fellow parishioners and those who have nobody to pray for them. November, the month of Remembrance, is dedicated to Holy Souls starting with All Saints Day on 1 November and All Souls Day on 2 November.
As the American-style-Halloween becomes more popular in Australia, across the Diocese of Parramatta, several parishes are hosting events for families and kids to help them understand the true Christian meaning and importance of “All Hallows Eve” which is the vigil for All Saints Day. All Saints Day is a day when we remember that everybody who lives a successful life in the eyes of God is a saint in heaven. The destiny of each one of us is to be one of those saints.
“It is so important for children and families to participate in celebrations in light of our Catholic faith. Encouraging the children to dress up as saints is a great way for them to celebrate the saints we imitate and the saints we are ultimately called to be.” said Fr Sheldon Burke CRS, Assistant Priest of St Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park.
On Thursday 31 October several parishes are hosting fun events for the whole family. Kids can come dressed as their favourite saint or bible hero and get involved in activities including Saints Parades, games, food, prizes and more.
There will also be several Masses for All Souls Day on 2 November. Here are our picks but remember to check your parish website for more details.
31 OCTOBER: Vigil of All Saints Day
St John XXIII Church Parish, Stanhope Gardens: 5.30pm
Come dressed as your favourite Saint and join the parish for a Saints Parade. There are prizes to be won in five categories.
St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood: 7pm
Children are encouraged to come to this Mass dressed as their favourite Saint or bible hero.
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith: 4pm-6pm
The parish will be hosting a Night of Light for primary and preschool aged children who are asked to dress up as their favourite saint or bible hero. There will be games, activities, food, prizes and lollies.
St Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park: 6pm
All children are invited to come dressed as Saints of their choice or dressed in all-white, for an evening of fun and games.
St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills: 4pm
Children are invited to dress up as saints or holy people, and will lead the Holy Rosary. There will be light refreshments and we encourage those attending to kindly bring a plate to share.
2 NOVEMBER: All Souls Day
Christ the King Parish, North Rocks: 9am
The 9am Mass will be celebrated for all loved ones who have died, particularly those who have died in the past 12 months, and to pray for those experiencing loss and bereavement. Parishioners are invited to put the names of deceased loved ones on a card and place them on the board set aside as a memorial wall during November.
Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook: 9.30am
All are invited to bring a photo of a deceased friend or relative, or a flower to represent them and we will place these reverently before the altar as a symbol that we are offering this Mass to them.
Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere: 9am
All are asked to bring a framed photo of their dearly departed to be placed on a special Remembrance Table. A candle for all loved ones will be lit at the start of Mass.
St Francis Xavier Parish, Greendale: 12pm
All are invited to attend in remembrance of the faithful departed with special attention to those who have been buried there. There will be a BYO picnic lunch afterwards. Also, our Vigil Mass on Saturday 2nd November will be offered for all our parishioners who passed away in the last 12 months.
St Gregory’s Parish, Richmond: 9am
Mass will be followed by a blessing of the graves.
St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood: 8.30am
After Mass, all are invited to Penrith Cemetery to pray for deceased family and friends.
St Monica’s Parish, Richmond: 7.30am
Mass will be followed by a blessing of the columbarium and memorial plaques.
3 NOVEMBER
St Bernadette’s Parish, Dundas Valley: 10am
Children are invited to come dressed as a Saint and participate in the entrance procession at the 10am Mass.
