All Souls Memorial Service - November 4 at 7 PM
Friday, October 23, 2009 at 01:45PM Praying for the departed is an important part of our Christian spirituality. Early Christians would gather at the graves of departed loved ones on the anniversaries of their deaths to celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for their lives and pray for their continued flourishing in God’s love. Over time, these individual celebrations became part of one great feast - the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (commonly known as “All Souls Day”).
While All Souls Day is officially November 2nd, we will keep the festival on November 4th with a candle light Eucharist at 7 pm. During the service, we will pray for all parishioners who have died in the last twelve months, and for any departed family or friends whose names are submitted. A candle for each name will burn representing the light of their presence with us in our hearts and minds.
What happens after death is a mystery whose answer is unknown to us on this side of the veil. Yet our faith tell us that life continues even when our mortal bodies have breathed their last. The Prayer Book puts it this way, “For to you, O Lord, life is changed and not ended.” We believe in God’s grace that the soul goes from “strength to strength in the life of perfect service” until we are reunited at last in the fullness of heaven.
If you would like us to pray for someone, please send in the information no later than November 1. You may use the form below or email the names to the parish office at parish@stlukesewing.org .
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