Allhallowtide
Allhallowtide may be a mouthful but it's a significant period in the church calendar, encompassing three days dedicated to honoring those that have gone before us. It begins with All Saints’ Eve, commonly known as Halloween, on October 31, followed by All Saints’ Day on November 1, and concludes with All Souls’ Day on November 2.
This triduum is a time for Christians to remember and pray for all saints, martyrs, and the faithful departed, reflecting on the lives of those who have passed and seeking to connect with the spiritual history of the Church. The observance of Allhallowtide blends solemnity with celebration, offering a profound opportunity for reflection and communal remembrance.
Celebrating these holy days helps remind us of the reality of death and to pray for the souls of the deceased. It is also a reminder that we, too, can ask those who have gone before us to pray for us. This is what we mean by the Communion of Saints that is so important in our tradition.
Celebrate AllHallowtide as a Church of the Home
Enjoy a special feast and merriment with loved ones on All Hallow’s Eve (Oct 31). Here is a sheet for kids to understand these holy days.
Reverse trick-or-treating with the homebound or nursing home residents.
Thank the saints for what they have done for you on All Saints Day (Nov 1) —pray for the intercession of the saints in heaven—especially those who are your patrons.
Read about the lives of the saints or have a party with saint-based activities/costumes.
On All Souls Day (Nov 2) pray for the Holy Souls and make sacrifices on their behalf, especially those whom you have known and loved—and pray for those who have no one to pray for them. Remember to pray for the recently departed souls whose photos will be framed near the altar.
Visit graveyards and cemeteries to pray for the dead.
At breakfast, recite a short litany of family members who have died and whom you remember in your prayers. After each name, have everyone say, “Pray for us.”
Light a candle for each person your Church of the Home would like to remember. Invite those who are lighting to say something like, “We remember and thank you.”
Faithful Citizenship
Next Tuesday is Election Day. While some may have already cast their vote, we are always called to be faithful citizens every day of the year. Faithful citizenship calls us to engage in the political process with a well-formed conscience, guided by the teachings of the Church. It means actively participating in elections, advocating for policies that uphold human dignity, and working towards the common good.
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
-Pope Francis
Join us for Mass this weekend
in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
People struggle to acknowledge their limitations, such as needing glasses or assistance. But admitting spiritual blindness is often more challenging than physical blindness. Through the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, acknowledging our struggles is the first step towards healing and grace. We must be honest with ourselves and others about what is needed in order to foster a deeper connection with the divine and the community. Join Bridget as she reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
FAMILIES
WEEKLY BULLETIN
(click to read)
PARISH LYCEUM
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
NEWEST MEMBERS IN OUR FAMILY OF FAITH
RECENT LOSSES IN OUR PARISH FAMILY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONGOING EVENTS
Ruby and Res
Best part of Hilltoppers? Behind the ear scratches and dessert crumbs on the floor.
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