All Souls Day

Aka the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed.

"O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that in the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." (Holy Women, Holy Men, p. 665)

In the official calendar of church feasts, November 2nd is the day of remembrance and celebration of all those saints whom me have known and love but aren't known to the wider world. All Saints Day (Nov 1) celebrates the official church Saints, the ones known by everyone, like St. John, St. Patrick, St. Lucy. All Souls Day is for our local communities, for us to remember those who have walked among us who have been faithful followers of Jesus.

Every year we lose church members, friends, family, who have been for us examples of Godly life. We remember them and the ways that they have influenced us to be better disciples. Our remembrance of them also calls us to be role models and faithful teachers and mentors of those around us who are new to the faith or struggling in some way in their lives.

Here at St. John's we remember all those who have touched our hearts and lives who have gone to be with God. The names of Jane Judson, Linda Trikur, and many others will be read in church on Sunday as we take a moment to give thanks for their lives and their contributions to our community.