All Saints Day

November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. On All Saints 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.

Mass Readings for the Solemnity of All Saints

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

• First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14: “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24: “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”
• Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3: “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.”
• Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints, but of those who are trying to become saints. Therefore let us be extremely patient with each other’s faults and failures.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

The saints are friends with whom we can grow in friendship. We all need friends who can help us deal with life. This is the trust which enlivens us when we turn to the saints in the decisive moments of our lives.

Pope Francis

What Is Keeping You From Being a Saint?

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.

Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints? A Lesson Plan

This can be confusing to many non-Catholics and even some Catholics. When Catholics talk about “praying to a saint” they are asking that saint to pray for them, much as they might ask a friend. This lesson plan will help youth understand this. This is a good lesson for All Saints Day.

Printable Beatitudes Puzzle: Cryptogram

This puzzle goes nicely with the Gospel reading for All Saints Day, which is the beatitudes.

Prayer for the Grieving

Losing a loved one is difficult. Even though we are comforted by knowing that they are in God’s loving embrace, we still miss them. And we may have other issues to work out. This prayer is appropriate for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.