All Saints Day

November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. On this day we remember all men and women who were servants of the Lord while here on earth. We ask that they pray for us so that one day we might join them in heaven.

Here are the daily mass readings for the Solemnity of All Saints:

• First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
• Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
• Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

And below are some ideas for this day for use with your family, youth ministry, religious ed, or Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Is Halloween “Catholic”?

Halloween does have Catholic roots.  Learn about the origins of Halloween, starting the establishment of All Saints Day and All Souls Day at the beginning of November.  

Prayer for the Grieving

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a long process. It is natural for many to turn to God in these times. Although it can also be normal to experience anger, disappointment in God, or a general lack of faith. Don't despair! God is still there. He is waiting for you and patiently allows each of us to grieve in our own way.

The Beatitudes – Blessed Are They (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes gives us the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, which is the gospel for the Solemnity of All Saints. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. These are good for home use or for Children's Liturgy of the Word.

What Is Keeping You from Becoming a Saint?

In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about three things that typically hinder us on the path of discipleship. (1) We want instant gratification. But becoming more like Christ is a process which takes time. (2) We like keeping our options open. We find it difficult to commit to doing God's will. (3) We lack a fighting spirit. We need courage and discipline.

I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts

In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz gives a Catholic perspective on ghosts. Yes, Catholics can believe that ghosts could exist, but we should not attempt to communicate with them. And there is a difference between ghosts and demons. Demons are fallen angels.

You Cannot Be Half A Saint

You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

115 Saintly Fun Facts

115 Saintly Fun Facts is a delightful way to look at the saints. So many books focus on how they died or what they suffered. This book focuses on what was really special and unique about these saints.