Why should we continue to add names to the Book of Remembrance, even after All Souls Day?

November is the month of All Souls.  Throughout October we signed the names of our beloved dead in the parish Book of Remembrance, which is presented each year in the Mass of Remembrance held on All Souls Day, November 2nd. 

However, November is only beginning.  Thus, we invite everyone to continue to sign the names of the deceased in the Remembrance Book, now located near the Paschal Candle and Baptismal Font.  Not only is the location a visual reminder as we pray in the Church space to continue this important Spiritual Work of Mercy, but it also highlights the significant connections between Baptism and death. 

Since most of us have already attended a funeral Mass or two, we recall the rich symbolism and liturgical actions that overlap with the sacrament of Baptism.  There is the Paschal Candle, which stands at the head of the casket at a funeral; it is also the same candle that stands near the Baptismal font, providing the Light of Christ to the individual candle of the newly-baptized.  Secondly, the funeral pall spread over the casket resembles the baptismal garment put on at Baptism.  And, the greeting to both sacraments occurs at the main doors of the Church.  After the funeral liturgy begins, the first words spoken by the priest, with the presence of holy water sprinkled on the body, recalls Baptism as well:  “In the waters of baptism, died with Christ and rose with him to new life.  May he/she now share with him eternal glory.”

In this season of remembering all the souls of the Faithful departed, may we grow in our Spiritual Work of Mercy to pray for our beloved dead, as they continue to pray for us.  We also remember in a special way the Holy Souls in Purgatory, who have no one to pray for them.  Free prayer resources are located in the gathering space and with the Book of Remembrance, as well as online resources such as these: 

https://www.goodcatholic.com/prayer-for-the-holy-souls-in-purgatory-by-st-gertrude-the-great/

https://catholicexchange.com/litany-holy-souls-purgatory/