Parish Bulletin Article: "Purgatory": 10-29-17

            As life continues to move forward quickly, we will soon begin November.  While this month changes many seasons like sports, hunting and weather, we should also have a particular focus for our prayers: those who have passed away. 

Do you know that in our history—and even today—our Church offers devotions and prayers throughout November?  We do so as “a month for the holy souls in purgatory.” 

            Well, what is purgatory? 

Here is one thought that I have used to think about purgatory.  Imagine then, how often children play outside.  Think about when you were a kid, or how your children have done so.  Remember when the little ones jumped in the puddles, played in a sandbox, dove in some mud or grass.

Now imagine that Mom and Dad called the children to come back inside because dinner is ready.  Now as the little ones come inside, would not Mom and/or Dad remind them to take off their boots, wash their hands, change clothes or take a shower?

This thought has helped me learn about purgatory—a cleansing to be ready for the feast in heaven.

Beyond this though, here is a more in-depth explanation in the Catechism of the Catholic Church for purgatory:

“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.  The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.  The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent.  The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire…” (Chapters 1030-1031).

            During November we will offer a book in which you can share the names of your loved ones during November.  We will also pray for loved ones in each Mass we offer—which we do in every Mass.

We also have two crucial liturgical days to begin November.  First, we will have the “Solemnity of All Saints” (which is a holy day of obligation), and we will have three Masses: one on the vigil (October 31st) and two on Wednesday, November 1st.  Second, “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)” and this is the only day in the year in which I should have three Masses and can wear a black chasuble.  We will have three Masses on Thursday, November 2nd.  Please come to these Masses and note the times and places in our bulletin.

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

God Bless.