Monday, November 1 is All Saints Day. In his message for the diocesan faithful, Bishop O’Connell writes, “On this solemn Feast of All Saints, the Church invites us to reflect on the great hope that is based on Christ’s Resurrection: Christ is risen and we will also be with him. The Saints and Blesseds are the most authoritative witnesses of Christian hope, because they lived it fully in their lives, amidst joys and sufferings, putting into practice the Beatitudes … that Jesus preached are the path to holiness” (Pope Francis, Angelus Message, November 1, 2020).

To read Bishop O’Connell’s full message for All Saints Day and All Souls Day, visit HERE.

In recognition of November as a dedicated time to pray for souls in purgatory, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following notice on a new decree from Rome: On October 28, 2021,  the Holy See extended the pandemic provision for obtaining a plenary indulgence for the faithful departed during the month of November, traditionally regarded as the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Read the decree in its entirety HERE.

Called By Name program can help identify future priestly vocations

For the second time, the diocesan Office of Vocations will host Called By Name, a program that encourages parishioners to prayerfully reflect on the priesthood and then submit names of men whom they feel should be invited to consider a vocation. The program will begin the weekend of Nov. 6-7 and conclude the following weekend Nov. 13-14. The program will also coincide with the observance of National Vocation Awareness Week Nov. 7-13.

Read more about the Called By Name program HERE.