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It's Halloween! Or should I say, "All Hallows Eve". In fact, that is where the term 'halloween' originated from - because it falls on the eve of all the holy ones - All Saints. But it has roots even further back before the dawn of Christianity ... In Ireland. It was around the time of the end of summer and the turn of the new year. The Celts believed that at this time, the boundary between the two worlds - those of the living and dead - were blurred. As such, they believed that ghosts from beyond the grave would come back to the earth and destroy land, crops, and so on. The Celts enacted rituals and wore costumes in order to defend against such attacks.
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In order to counter such pagan rituals associated with the "boundary between two worlds" colliding, the Church instituted first the Feast of All the Holy Martyrs which later, by the 9th century, became a day to honor all the saints on November 1st. The following day, November 2nd, was then instituted as a day to honor all the dead - rather than be fearful of them and recognize God's plan for the salvation of souls. All Hallows Day - meaning "all that is holy" - later became known as Halloween only in more recent history.
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How does a Catholic celebrate Halloween? Today, as a commercial holiday, it is not so much associated with the merging of 2 worlds. Though there are still many pagan rituals associated with this day - which as a Catholic we ought to avoid ... such as the use of ouija board, tarot cards, engaging in witchcraft, palm reading, horoscopes, and so on. These are extremely dangerous practices that can open a person up to demonic influence and/or worse. That aside, when we engage in this commercialized holiday, let's remember to do so in such a way that avoids harm to our souls. Dressing up like superheroes, pirates, athletes, or Caspar the friendly ghost, etc is not a big deal ... but dressing up like a devil, an evil spirit, and the like is perhaps not a good idea. As Catholics, many of the dead are our heroes in faith - dressing up like a saint is always a safe bet, asking for their prayers, and telling people why you chose to mimic him or her on Halloween is always an interesting conversation starter! And lastly... do not be gluttonous with candy... moderation is the key! :)
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Be sure to join us for Trunk or Treat Sunday October 31st from 1:30pm-3pm in the church parking lot.
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All Saints and All Souls:
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The Solemnity of All Saints is NOT a holy day of obligation this year.
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Nevertheless we will have Mass on November 1st at 8am and 6pm.
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All Souls Day is November 2nd. Masses will be at 8am, 12pm and 6pm. Please return your envelopes via the collection or drop it by the office before the Masses. Reminder of the tradition on All Souls day to offer a rosary at the cemetery for the deceased, attending Mass and going to confession within 8 days so as to receive a plenary indulgence. We need all the help we can get!
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Coffee Hour: Join us for coffee, treats and fellowship after the 8am and 10:30am Masses this weekend October 31, 2021, in the parish hall.
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Altar Rail Project: Recently I met with the craftsman from Conway to discuss the altar rails. He is still recovering from cancer surgery. Therefore, this project is on hold momentarily but is still in the works. It is possible we may have it ready for Easter.
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Trunk or Treat: Join us on Sunday October 31, 2021 for Trunk or Treat! The event will be held in the parking lot from 1:30pm-3pm. For more information, see bulletin or
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Cash Raffle: In lieu of the Craft Fair, we will still hold our annual cash raffle. Tickets are $5/ticket and $25/book (6 tickets/book). Cash prizes have also increased: 1st place $750; 2nd place: $300; 3rd place: $150. Please return sold tickets by the week of November 21, 2021. The drawing will be held on November 28, 2021. Tickets are available for pick up after all the Masses or during office hours.
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Traveling Chalice: Signs up are at the Sugarloaf Street entrance of the church. Please contact Fr. Jon with any questions or for more information.
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Confessions are offered on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Wednesdays 12pm-6pm concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
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There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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