November is a month that is associated with remembrance and memories. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, remembrance is the act of remembering and showing respect for someone who has died or an event. It is also a memory of something that has happened in the past.
As we move into November we have three celebrations that take place right away. On the first is the Solemnity of All Saints Day. It is celebrated by Catholics all around the world and connects us to the communion of saints. We look to the Saints, we celebrate their lives and ask them to pray for us. Mary, also known as St. Mary the Virgin, is our patron Saint and on this day we can ask for her help in bringing our prayers to God. The next day, the second, is All Souls Day where we remember all those who have died but may not yet be in heaven. We pray for them and ask God to take them to heaven. On that day please take a moment and say a prayer in memory of a friend or loved one or say the prayers on the prayer cards below.
On November 3rd, we celebrate Catholic Education Sunday in Alberta. The theme from our Bishops this year is to be “United in Prayer and Grateful for Catholic Schools”. It is a reminder for us to celebrate Catholic Schools in the province and to be grateful for the gift of publicly funded Catholic education. Archbishop Smith, on behalf of all Alberta Bishops has shared a short, three-minute video message regarding Catholic Education Sunday. Please click on the Video Link to view the message.
On November 11th we remember our veterans from the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War who sacrificed for us so we could enjoy our freedoms and live in peace. To honour these men and women, we wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance and freedom. As we pause in our minute of remembrance on the 11th day of the 11th hour of the 11th month, let us not forget to pray for the men and women who have served, those who have died in service and those who are currently serving in our armed forces. Please come join us for our Remembrance Day Celebration on the 8th at 11:00 in the gym.
Sometimes our lives can become so busy that we do not take the time to think about those who have gone before us. Take some time on the 1,2,3 and 11 to pray, reflect and remember.
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