All Saints and All Souls?

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ataylorfam

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Hello!

Since we are so new to all of “this”, I was hoping someone might be able to give me a bit of help. I understand these 2 days are coming up, and I have googled them and understand what they are. Now the question is though, how do I explain it to my young children and what should we do to celebrate these days? I would like to begin practicing these things, although we won’t be entering RCIA until next year, but I’m not sure what activities I should be doing with the kids? :confused: Help? 😃

Kelli
 
You could go to mass. That’s probably the best thing. All Saints’ is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics, so you’re sure to see tons of people on that day, even though it’s a Tuesday. All Souls’ is basically a funeral. It should be a sober experience. It is not a Holy Day of Obligation, and therefore there will not be as many people present as there will be on All Saints’, but I think it’s safe to say that there will probably be more people present for the All Souls’ Day mass than for a regular week-day mass. Many people, even Catholics, get confused by which is which.
 
On All Saints Day, have the kids learn about their favorite Saint or any Saint and then have them tell the other kids about him or her. On All Souls Day visit a cemetary with the family. If your relatives are buried there tell stories about them to the kids. Perhaps say a Rosary together at the cemetary for the “repose of their Souls” and all those in Purgatory.

These can be very rewarding times for a family.

God Bless
 
You might see more Masses on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day), because every priest is permitted to say three Masses on that day.

Also, there is a plenary indulgence for visiting a church on All Souls Day and reciting a Pater and Credo. Another plenary indulgence can be gotten by devoutly praying for the dead in a cemetery on one of the first eight days of November. Both of those indulgences can only apply to the faithful departed, though.
 
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