The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed is better known as All Souls’ Day. There are multiple choices for readings on this day, so every church will not use the same ones. There are also three sets of prayers that may be chosen for All Souls’ Day. I hope your parish publishes Scripture references ahead of time so you can reflect before and after Mass on the readings they use.
The readings suggested by the US Bishops may be used in your parish. They are: Wisdom 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40.
Remembering our beloved dead is a hallmark of this feast. We have specific mention of such a feast as early as the Second Century and in Rome in the 13th Century. Many parishes display a Book of the Dead with the names of loved ones and parishioners who have died. Take time today to remember those who have gone before you, those who have shaped your life in countless ways, both good and bad. Pray for God’s mercy on them and on all of us so that we may all meet again at the heavenly banquet.
Preface I for the Dead could be used on All Souls’ Day.
In [Christ] the hope of blessed resurrection has dawned,
that those saddened by the certainty of dying,
might be consoled by the promise of immortality to come.
Indeed for your faithful, Lord,
life is changed not ended,
and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust,
an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven.
Also, there is an optional three-fold blessing prayer that may be used on All Saints and on All Souls. As the days grow darker, as we await the coming of the light of Jesus’ birth, think about using my version of these three blessings in your own life in this month of November.
God of day and of darkness, you have brought joy to all the saints. May we be strengthened by their witness and sanctified by your unending blessings.
As we look toward the lives of your saints, may we follow in their footsteps and learn how to serve you and neighbor.
May we find a place with all the angels and saints in heaven, and so live in peace and joy forever.
And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on us and remain with us forever. Amen.