Advent Retreat November 29th

November is dedicated to helping the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

This month, the Church commemorates the faithful who have died in God's grace, but have not yet attained heaven.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, after a person dies there may be a need for a "final purification" (CCC 1031) so that the soul can "achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven" (CCC 1030).

During their time in purgatory, the souls there benefit greatly from the prayers of the Church Militant here on earth.

Two ways to pray for the poor souls in purgatory this month are to offer up the Holy Mass and the Rosary for them. These two prayers are the most powerful tools we have as Catholics!

Why visit a cemetery? 

Visiting a Catholic cemetery is a practice rooted deeply in faith and tradition, serving several important spiritual, emotional, and communal purposes. 

Key reasons to visit include:

• Praying for the Dead: Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints (the spiritual union of the living and the dead) and that prayers can help the souls of the faithful departed who may be in purgatory, aiding their journey to heaven. Visiting the grave is a tangible way to offer these prayers, rosaries, or Masses for their eternal rest.

• Honoring and Remembering the Deceased: The cemetery provides a sacred, physical place to show love, honor, and respect for loved ones who have passed away. It offers a space for reflection on their lives, their impact, and the enduring bond of love that death does not break.

• Healing and Consolation: For the bereaved, visiting the grave site can be a key ingredient in the grieving process, offering peace, comfort, and a concrete way to process their loss and demonstrate that the deceased has not been forgotten.

• Affirming the Belief in Resurrection: Catholic cemeteries are consecrated as sacred ground, serving as a physical reminder of the core Christian belief in the resurrection of the body and the promise of eternal life in Christ. The symbols and art within the cemetery reflect this hope.

• A Reminder of Mortality (Memento Mori): Visiting a cemetery serves as a spiritual reminder of one's own mortality—"remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return". This helps the living gain perspective and focus on living a life united with God's merciful love.

• Gaining Indulgences: The Church offers special opportunities to gain a partial or plenary indulgence (the remission of temporal punishment due to sin) for the souls in purgatory by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed, especially during the first eight days of November (All Souls' Day/Month).

• Connection to Community and Heritage: Cemeteries are an extension of the parish community, a shared resting place where people of the same faith are buried together, affirming communal beliefs even after death. Visiting can connect individuals to their family history and cultural heritage

Day 309: Praying for the Dead (2025)

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike breaks down the doctrine of purgatory as we read about Judas Maccabeus and his army praying for the dead in 2 Maccabees 12. We learn that purgatory is a process of purification that our hearts need in order to be ready to love God and to enter into his presence. In our reading of Wisdom today, Fr. Mike emphasizes the insanity of worshipping idols and how it's more tempting to make idols out of good things rather than evil things. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 12, Wisdom 13-14, and Proverbs 25:11-14. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321?i=1000735357862