Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Remembering those who have gone before us in faith

Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love, and it would be wrong to try and find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very hard at first; but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bond between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; God does not fill it, but on the contrary, keeps it empty, and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

November is the month that we remember all the faithful departed on the Feast of All Souls. We will gather as a faith community to remember the faithful departed at the Mass of Remembrance on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. Dessert reception to follow.

In preparation for The Feast of All Souls, please come by the Hospitality Area after each weekend Mass on October 22/23 and October 29/30 to write the name of your loved ones - who have died in the last year - into the Book of Remembrance.

Those who would like, may call (714-962-3333) or email the Bereavement Ministry Office and we will be happy to put the name of your loved one in the Book of Remembrance and online. Please include the first and last name of your loved one in the email or telephone call. The Book of Remembrance will be in the parish office during the week.

Please pray for those names in the Book of Remembrance. Keep these and all the Intentions of our parish in your prayers. Below is a Prayer for our departed brothers and sisters:

To destroy the shroud of death, Lord God, and to wipe away our tears, you promised a joyful feast on your holy mountain, and sent your Son, the Word made flesh, to guide us to that glory.

Bring all the faithful departed to share the victory of the risen Christ. Give us strength also on our earthly pilgrimage to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and to follow Christ, gladly losing our lives for Jesus and for the sake of the gospel.

We ask this through the Lord Jesus, our Passover and our Peace, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord.
R.     And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.

May he/she rest in peace.
R.     Amen.

May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R.    Amen.