All the saints are celebrated each year on November 1;  however, most Christian traditions of honoring the dead are linked with All Souls Day on November 2.  On this day, we remember our own loved ones who have gone before us in faith.  These tributes extend beyond the day itself and last through the month of November, the Month of All Souls.  The days are now at their darkest; crops have been harvested; leaves have changed colors and are falling to the ground; while the readings of the liturgy direct our thoughts to the end times, when Christ will return in his full glory restoring the fullness of salvation to all creation.  What a perfect time to remember our beloved dead.

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD

In your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In this life you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest.

The old order has passed away:
welcome them into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,
but fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever.
R/. Amen.

GIVE THEM LIGHT AND PEACE

God, who gives life to all who believe,
you dwell in unapproachable light,
yet your mercy leads those who hope in you
to a place in your presence before your throne.
Grant light and peace to our brothers and sisters
who have gone before us
marked with the sign of faith
and who have trusted in your never-ending love.
Bring the faithful departed into your kingdom
of light, happiness, and peace.
Give them a secure dwelling place
in the mansion of your holiness,
and let them shine with the light of your glory.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Amen.

ALL SOULDS REMEMBRANCE

For I am convinced

that neither death, nor life,

nor angels, nor rulers,

nor things present, nor things to come,

nor powers, nor height, nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us

from the love of God

in Christ Jesus our Lord.