Ascension c at h ol i c c h ur c h
The Mass of Remembrance Honoring and Praying for Our Faithful Departed with Great Love
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ovember is ushered in each year by the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. During these special memorials, Catholics around the world remember those who have gone before us in the pursuit of heaven. Here at Ascension, these departed loved ones are honored annually through a special Mass of Remembrance. “Each year on Nov. 2, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, we hold the Mass of Remembrance,” Director of Music and Liturgy Julie Ternes says. “It is a Mass honoring and praying for the people from our parish who have died in the past year. Those who have died are honored with a lit candle bearing their name and date of death and special mention in the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass.” Though open to any member of the parish, Julie says special invitations are sent out to the families of parishioners who have died within the past 12 months. This is a way to remind them that they are not alone in their grieving while also reminding them of the hope of the resurrection. “The presence of members of our faith community at this Mass is a comfort to those families that are grieving the loss of their loved one,” Julie says. “When they look around at Mass, they realize they are not alone in their grief. Prayer, especially the Mass, is the most powerful way we can support others.” Remembering the dead in this way is also an important part of our Catholic faith.
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Inside November 2020
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Honoring Our Departed at the Remembrance Mass on Nov. 2
“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You
4 Meet Parishioner Joe Schon Answering the Vocational Call in the Seminary 6 Meet Cathy and Duane Hruby: Serving God and Ascension Parish From the Very Beginning
