Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

As the days grow shorter and we come to the end of the liturgical year, one of the ways we can mark this season is to pray for Holy Souls.  

Fittingly, the Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. During this month we pray for the souls of the faithful departed, especially those whom we have known and loved. The season of Holy Souls reveals our reflection of our own mortality, celebrating and mourning those who have gone before us, and gently gathering the past into God’s loving embrace. We commemorate all the faithful departed by remembering, praying, and giving thanks.  

Please join us in commemorating Holy Souls during the month of November: 

The month of Holy Souls begins with the Hallowtide Triduum (October 31 – November 2). 

Oct 31 – Friday – 9am

Parish School Mass

Nov 1 – Saturday – 9 am 

Please Join us for Mass for All Saints Day

Nov 2 – Sunday – 1:30-3pm

Please join us for the annual blessing of the graves All Souls’ Day at Maple Ridge Cemetery

Did you know that in the first week of November, the Church offers a plenary indulgence for the faithful departed? To receive it, one must visit a cemetery and pray for the dead, while also going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and having a heart free from attachment to sin. This tradition is a meaningful way to remember the souls of the departed on their journey to heaven.

The annual Mass for deceased bishops, clergy and consecrated men and women will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Wednesday, November 5 at 12:10 pm.   All parishioners are most welcome to attend this special Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Smith and concelebrated by the priests of the Archdiocese. Remember kindly in your prayers during the month of November those who have laboured for the Church in Vancouver and pray that the Lord will send more dedicated men and women to continue their ministry.

We invite you to Pray throughout the month of November.  Gardens of Gesthemeni has compiled short, daily prayers that you can receive by email to pray for Holy Souls. Sign up at rccav.org/november.  

Please join us Friday, November 7th at 7:00pm for an evening of Encounter with Praise and Worship.  Come, light a candle and pray for all those who have gone before us.

Our music director, Jen Boyer, has prepared a playlist of our choir’s favourite songs for the evening.  Please find the playlist options below:

Thank you to Margaret and her small faith study group for the wonderful dinner and to Nash for the yummy dessert provided for this past Wednesday’s evening Alpha session. Thank you all so much for your loving generosity towards our Alpha program.

St. Patrick’s Parish is fully in support of this new initiative and we look forward to bringing you more information in the coming weeks and months. 

If you or someone you know is seeking additional support as a single mother or woman in need, we encourage you to learn more about the following programs:

Interested in donating directly to the Living Waters fund?  

Your generosity will fund Catholic ministries that accompany women through life’s most difficult seasons, offering support that leads to lasting hope and dignity:

• Offering safe refuge and long-term support for women fleeing domestic abuse
• Walking with single mothers as they build stable lives
• Providing compassionate outreach to women on the street
• Accompanying women as they heal from trauma and injustice
• Caring for women affected by sexual exploitation

Your contributions will directly impact the lives of many women and children, providing strength, healing, and opportunities for new beginnings.