Praying for the dead is part of the Catholic faith tradition, rooted in Old Testament readings and supported by the Catechism and the Church’s funeral liturgy. Particularly during the month of November, which begins with All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 1-2), parishes provide opportunities to reflect and pray for those who have died.
Father Roque Meraz, associate pastor at St. Paul in Valparaiso, said praying for those who have passed is an important practice that reflects and reinforces the Church's beliefs in the communion of saints and the power of intercessory prayer. He explained that Catholics believe death is not the end, but a transition from earthly life to the life of heaven. He added they also believe that sometimes the souls of the departed may still need purification in Purgatory before they can enter the fullness of God's presence in Heaven.
“So, by praying for the deceased, we can help ease the suffering of those in Purgatory and speed their journey towards our eternal homeland,” Father Meraz said. “Our prayer for those who have died is an expression of love, mercy, and communion with them, emphasizing our belief that the bonds of the Church extend beyond the boundaries of life and death.”
Father Meraz shared that similarly, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a culturally rich tradition that holds great importance for Hispanic Catholics and many others. Activities celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones and remind participants of the cycle of life and death.
“Dia de los Muertos allows believers to commemorate the deceased by praying for their souls, offering Masses, and lighting candles to guide them on their journey to eternal life, ” he said. “This tradition beautifully intertwines the Catholic faith and emphasizes the communion of saints and the importance of remembering and praying for the souls of the departed.”
Celebrations often feature colorful sugar skulls, marigold flowers and beautifully designed altars, displaying the pictures of family members who have died. The tradition provides an opportunity for families to come together to remember their family, share stories, and honor their heritage. Through the ofrendas (offerings) and the sharing of favorite foods and beverages, Dia de los Muertos allows individuals to connect with their cultural roots and celebrate the enduring legacy of their loved ones.
St. Paul has an Altar de Muertos that is set by the entrance of the church and displays the pictures of many of the parishioners and family members who have passed away. The parish will also offer Masses to pray in a special way for all of the deceased during the month of November.
“These Masses are a way for the living to intercede on behalf of their departed loved ones, asking for God's mercy and assistance in their journey towards eternal salvation,” said Father Meraz.
Saraidee Reyes-Villa said Holy Family Parish, like other parishes in the diocese, believes it is important to honor and commemorate all faithful departed, “not only for their faithfulness in life, but also to pray for them so that they may reach the holy presence of God in heaven.”
“Every year, we commemorate our faithful departed in various ways,” said the faith formation and communications assistant.
This year that includes a cemetery walk on Nov. 5, which has been a tradition for many years in the LaPorte community, a Mass of Remembrance on Nov. 9 for all those of the parish who have passed away during the current year, and a bilingual Mass for Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 2. All parish communities are encouraged to place pictures of their loved ones who have passed away on an ofrenda, located in the narthex of one of the three churches that make up the parish community – Sacred Heart, St. Peter and St. Joseph.
Mercedes Augsten, pastoral associate at Holy Name of Jesus, said the Cedar Lake church also sets up an ofrenda, an idea started with the parish’s Hispanic Ministry. It has become a memorial place for all parishioners to place photos of their deceased loved ones and features a section for deceased priests, as well. They are displayed on Dia de los Muertos tables during the entire month.
For about 14 years Holy Name has held activities as part of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The parish sends out invitations to families who have celebrated a funeral at the church in the last year, welcoming them to attend Mass on Nov. 2. A candlelight procession to the church cemetery immediately follows the 7 p.m. Mass.
“We let them know we will remember their loved one in a special way at the Mass,” Augsten said.
She explained the details for the procession to the cemetery comes from the Book of Blessing, a liturgical book that includes prayers pertaining to persons, objects and various occasions.on it.
“We feel we need to provide our parishioners a place to remember their loved ones with the support of the parish family,” Augsten said. “The response of the people who attend is positive.”
Editor's Note: Members of the Diocese of Gary are invited to join Bishop Robert J. McClory in a Mass in Remembrance of Bishop Grutka, Bishop Gaughan, Bishop Melczek, and Deceased Clergy. The liturgy will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary.