The month of November can be a challenging time, especially for those who are recently bereaved. The days are shorter and the darkness may seem to envelop us. It is the time when, as a faith community, we remember our loved ones who have died, and we pray for their eternal peace. It is a time too to remember that they are now part of the communion of saints in heaven and are praying with and for us, as well. This month we are invited to look forward to the eternal life Jesus Christ offers each of us.
Resource for praying at home during November
Remembering our loved ones in November – Oct 2020
Homily Notes – https://www.associationofcatholicpriests.ie/sundays-homily-resources/
Prayer of the Faithful – https://acireland.ie/prayers-of-the-faithful-4-2-2/
Resources created by the National Centre for Liturgy
- NOVEMBER 2020 LITURGY
- POWERPOINTLITURGY OF THE WORD NOVEMBER 2020
- LITURGY OF THE WORD REMEMBERING THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED 19 OCTOBER 2020
Liturgy Suggestions for Parishes
- Highlight the times and days for Masses for the Dead on the parish newsletter, on the parish Facebook page, in the church porch;
- If Mass is being streamed, the altar lists of the dead could be placed strategically in front of the altar at that time;
- In porch or prominent places, have details of Helplines….Pieta House, Samaritans, Alone, Aware, etc
Focal Space
• Create a focal space in the church or outside, where those who have died during the past year in the parish are listed.
• In the space, place a sign : Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
• Three candles:
for those who died during the past year;
for those who have died from Covid-19 all over the world;
for all our loved ones who have gone before us.
• Prayer in large print so that people can read it:
Living God,
you are always calling us
from darkness into your light,
from death into new life.
We remember our loved ones
who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again.
May they see God face to face.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. [John 14:27]
• Prayer for all who mourn
Life-giving God, we thank you.
You have always watched over our journeying
You have blessed us with the signs of your presence.
Open our eyes to your precious gift
of the Church’s communion of saints
Grant us a holy communion,
a companionship with others,
as we journey homeward. Amen by Edward Hays