All Saints and All Souls explained
1 Nov 2026
What Is All Saints Day?
All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1 in the Roman Catholic Church, is a holy day of obligation, and many other Christians celebrate it too, including Eastern Catholics on the Sunday after Pentecost. On this day, the Church honours all saints, both those formally canonised and others who have attained heaven (see Heb. 12:22-24). These saints are individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary faith and dedication to God, serving as role models for Christians. Whether officially recognized by the Church or not, these saints have played a significant role in spreading Christianity and leading others toward holiness (Matt. 28:18-20).
As Father Joseph said today at 10.30am Mass (Sunday 1st November) we may well have ancestors who are not recognised by the Church but who are Saints.
What Is the Purpose of All Souls Day?
All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2, is a day set aside in the Roman Catholic Church to pray for the souls in purgatory. The Church teaches that purgatory is a temporary state of purification for those who have died in God’s grace but still carry the effects of venial sins (forgiven and unforgiven) and forgiven mortal sins. The faithful on earth are called to offer prayers, sacrifices, and Masses to help these souls attain the beatific vision—eternal life with God in heaven. This day emphasizes the doctrine that many of the souls of the faithful departed need our prayers as they complete their purification.
What’s the Difference Between All Saints Day and All Souls Day?
Though these days fall back-to-back in the liturgical calendar, All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2) have distinct purposes. All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation, on which Catholics honor all the saints—both canonized and uncanonized—who have reached heaven and enjoy the beatific vision. It’s a day to remember those who serve as models of holiness. On the other hand, All Souls Day is a day of commemoration for all the faithful departed, particularly those still in purgatory, who are awaiting full sanctification.
NOVEMBER – Month of Remembrance
The month of November is when each year we pray for our beloved deceased. St. Mary’s Parish has its Book of Remembrance, into which the names of those who have died in the past year may be entered. Now available for private Mass intentions to be offered during November. Names written on November Mass envelopes are not added to the Book of Remembrance.
Memorial Mass
On Wednesday, 25th November at 7.00 pm, there will be a special Memorial Mass to remember and pray for all who were buried from our church in the last year and for relatives and friends of parishioners. Therefore, everyone who had a family member buried from here or had a family member or friend who died in the last year, is invited to attend this Mass.
Note: information for this item is derived from our Parish Bulletin and www.catholic.com