The Commemoration of All Souls
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
As we begin our all-too-brief Autumn season, our Church calendar calls us to another kind of brief season - this one of remembrance. This Sunday, is All Souls' Day - a day etched in the heart of our Catholic tradition. We think back to those who have gone before us, and we do so marked with the sign of faith echoing the words of St. Paul: "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor 15:22). In a world that often rushes past grief, this feast calls us to linger at the graveside, to pray, and to trust in God's boundless mercy for the souls in Purgatory.
The roots of All Souls' Day stretch back to the misty dawn of monastic life in medieval Europe. It was Abbot Odilo of Cluny, in the year 998, who first established this commemoration on November 2, the day after All Saints. Legend tells of ghostly monks appearing to Odilo, begging prayers for their release from Purgatory's purifying fires — these tales stir the imagination but point to a deeper truth. Odilo's innovation spread across Christendom, transforming a local custom into a universal feast. By the 13th century, it was enshrined in the Roman calendar, a testament to the Church's maternal care for her children beyond the veil.
Theologically, All Souls' Day rests on the firm foundation of Scripture and Tradition. Consider the poignant scene in 2 Maccabees, where Judas Maccabeus, after a hard-fought victory, discovers idolatrous amulets on his fallen comrades. Deeply moved, he offers a sin-offering and collects money "to provide for a sin offering" on their behalf: "He made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin" (2 Macc 12:43-45). This ancient Jewish practice, affirmed by the Church, underscores our belief in Purgatory, not as a cruel limbo, but as a merciful cleansing, preparing souls for heaven's unfiltered light. Jesus Himself hints at this in His parable of the unforgiving servant reminding us that mercy received must be mercy extended: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart" (Mt 18:35).
In the saints' writings, this doctrine blooms with tenderness. St. Augustine, in his City of God, reflects on the custom of offering the Eucharist for the departed, calling it a "pious and wholesome thought." Closer to our American shores, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, that indomitable mother of Catholic education in the young United States, found solace in these prayers amid her own losses. In her letters, she speaks of the dead as "not lost, but gone before," urging her sisters to storm heaven with Masses and Rosaries for their swift reunion. And from the French School of Spirituality, which so profoundly shaped devotion to the Sacred Heart, St. John Eudes reminds us that Mary's Immaculate Heart beats in rhythm with Christ's for the suffering souls: "Let us imitate the compassion of the Mother of Sorrows," he writes, "by offering our tears and prayers as balm for their wounds."
But All Souls' Day isn't just about history or high theology, it's a practical call to love in action. And here's where the Church, in her wisdom, extends an extraordinary grace: the plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery. From November 1 through November 8 (the octave of All Saints) you can gain this full remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, applicable only to the souls in Purgatory. Imagine it: a single visit, paired with a simple prayer, unleashing a torrent of divine mercy to free your loved ones from their purifying trials. As the Enchiridion of Indulgences (norm 29) explains, this is granted to the faithful who, in a state of grace, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray for the faithful departed—even if only mentally, like a whispered "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord."
To receive this plenary indulgence, though, we must prepare our hearts with the usual conditions: complete detachment from all sin (even venial), sacramental confession (within about 20 days), reception of Holy Communion, and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (an Our Father and Hail Mary suffice). It's not magic, but mystery - a participation in Christ's own victory over death. Pope St. John Paul II captures this beautifully: "The souls in Purgatory are not alone; they are accompanied by the prayer of the Church." (Spe Salvi) By visiting the cemetery, we join that great cloud of witnesses, turning a quiet walk among tombstones into an act of cosmic charity.
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30 pm In memory of Mary Agnes York and Gail Graugnard/P Gilfoil
- Sun 8:00 am (Traditional Latin Mass) PRO POPULO for the living & deceased members of our parish
- Sun 9:30 am In memory of Becky, Beverly, Edgar Lancaster/family
- Mon NO MASS
- Tues 9:30 am In memory of Angela Canizaro/Boothe
- Wed 9:00 am In memory of Donald Trichell death anni/family
- Thu 9:00 am In memory of Jamie Howington, Sr death anni/family
- Fri 5:30 pm In memory of Carol Folk LaHitte/P Lancaster
- Sat 5:30 pm In celebration of Joseph McFall/birth
- Sun 9:30 am In memory of deceased members of the Bolton and Howington families/Howington
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning in memory of Vicki Morelli
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) | EMHC(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/1 5:30p | - | MA Gilfoil | N Ernst |
| 11/2 9:30a | MaryKatherine, Maura, Elizabeth | J Howington | - |
| 11/8 5:30p | - | M Rome | A Keene |
| 11/9 9:30a | Courtland and Cooper | M Lancaster | - |
Upcoming Events
- Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and Sunday from 9a until Mass
- Sunday Morning Catechism in the Hall (with Coffee & Donuts) after the 9:00a Mass during the School Year unless otherwise indicated
- Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Wednesday at 6p unless otherwise indicated
- Nov 1 (Sat) Blessing of the Graves for both cemeteries beginning at Silver Cross at 10:30a
- Nov 7 First Friday devotions - 5:30 pm Mass
- Nov 23 Potluck Brunch following Sunday Mass. All are encouraged to attend.
For Your Information:
FORMED.ORG has weekly features at https://watch.formed.org/this-week-on-formed. Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at https://signup.formed.org
ROSARY GROUP meets on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join in prayer. For more information, contact Louise Magoun (318-341-2403), coordinator.
MAUSOLEUM Construction on the Mausoleum will begin in late Spring 2026. It is possible to purchase spaces at any time. Our sales representative, Garth Daniels, can be reached at (318) 295-4409. If you have any questions or you know of anyone else interested in making a purchase, please encourage them to speak with Garth or call the church office.
ANGEL TREE 2025… Dana Hamilton and Dana Dukes who will give leadership to our Angel Tree 2025 project are beginning their search for families who are in need of help with children for the upcoming Christmas season. If you know of such a family, would you provide the name of the adult responsible for the children and a contact number to either the chairperson or the church office so that additional information can be obtained. For those unfamiliar to the Angel Tree project, we usually provide an article of clothing and a toy, personal items such as toothbrush, hair brush, etc and a religious book for each child in a chosen family and additionally provide a food basket for the family.
FOURTH QUARTER SOCIAL is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 following Mass! Mark your calendar and plan to bring your favorite potluck dish as we celebrate Thanksgiving. The Committee is composed of Skeeter and Blanche Wilks, and Louise Magoun chair persons, and Leslye Ellerbee, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, Sherry Lynn and Timmy Harris, Michael Lancaster, Billy and Ginny Marsh, William and Sharyn Marsh, Hannah McCartney, Sug Regan, Skipper and Christy Guizerix.
EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN parish volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and go online regularly at www.virtus.org for the latest training bulletins. Any questions or issues can be reported to the office. Printed resources are available on the table at the entrance to the Church.
- “Protecting our Children, Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” includes Resources and Contact Numbers for reporting abuse.
- “Protecting God’s Children, Teaching Touching Safety Quick Reference Guide”
The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers are available in the Safe Environment section of the diocesan website at DioceseAlex.org or a copy may be requested from the Safe Environment Office (318) 445-2401.
PLEDGE TO HEAL If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.
Stewardship
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2025-2026 | $ 2,500 |
| September Budget | $ 10,000 |
| September Collections | $ 20,135 |
| September Expenses | $ 10,115 |
| October Budget | $ 10,000 |
| October 19 Collection | $ 2.415 |
| October Collections To Date | $ 12,504 |
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Don Wood (Nov 1), Bill Nadeau (Nov 2), Jason Trichell (Nov 5)
Happy Anniversary Stephenie & Lance Marsh (Nov 6), Christy & Skipper Guizerix (Nov 7), Marie & Norman Ernst (Nov 10)
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
For our Pope, Leo XIV, our Bishop, Robert Marshall; and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, under full-time care and for those who care for them, and for those otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn & Nap Book, Connie & Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan & Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret & Pat Gilfoil,Terry Farlow Hall, Sidney & Mary Jane Johnson, Frances & Bill Kennedy, Ed Mills, Susie Murphy, Bobby Reynolds, Mike & Sue Rome, Lori Sullivan
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Marie Farlow Bellard, Anna and John Luke Bigelow, Martha Book, Kay Boolos (S Gilfoil), Dick & Sue Boyd (S Gilfoil), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Gayle Brown (Dukes and Oliver), Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Fran Castile (Keene), Caroline and Albert Christman, Jeannie & Donald Collins, Teresa Carney Condra, Jami Cook (Wilks), Gene Cox, Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Fred and Cathy Fulton, Morgan and Alex Gilfoil, Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), LaVonne Givens, Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Family/Friends of Cynthia Hicks, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Patricia Lively (Wilks), Lonnie Hollowell (Naya), Charles Howington, Callie Halbach Hyams, Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Diane Johnson, Carla Leese (S Gilfoil), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Boyce Miller,Cole Norris, Randy Parker, Russell and Betty Petersen, David Peterson, Quintin Purvis, John Neill, Bailey, Scott, and Tiffney Rome, Sara and Jess Shields (Keene), Debbie Kedrick Sims, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Randy Watts, Jr.
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Henry Ellerbee, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, EmmyLu Marsh, Charlize Richardson, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Chandler Wood, Marsh Wood
