Saint Mary's Catholic Church

Dear Friends,

Please read Archbishop Lori's "op-ed" piece in the Baltimore Sun, written in anticiaption of the Bishops of the United States meeting in Baltimore from 12-14 November. Please pray that the bishop's courageously confront the abuse scandal and hold accountable those responsible, bishops included. May those who have suffered at the hands of bishops, priests, and all who minister on behalf of the Church find healing and peace.

November 2 was All Souls Day, an important opportunity to pray for not only our beloved dead but also those who have died without anyone to pray for them. These are the souls who are being purified in purgatory in order that they would enter God’s presence in heaven. We must be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect, to enter His presence in heaven. So, anyone who dies in a state of grace (free from mortal sin) yet still needs to be purified of venial sin or the effects of sin (temporal punishment) passes through purgatory. It is especially important that we pray for these souls, above all those who do not have anyone to pray for them, because they cannot pray for themselves. 

The rest of the month, especially from November 2 – 8, is a special time of prayer for these poor souls in purgatory. To that end, the daily Masses during this “Octave of All Souls,” will be offered specifically for the faithful departed, whether individually or collectively. I encourage you this week to consider coming to Mass to pray for the faithful departed or finding an opportunity to visit a cemetery and praying for the repose of the souls of everyone buried there.

You are in my daily prayers.

Sincerley yours in Christ,
Father Cibelli
Pastor

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