SVP Catholic Primary School

November, A Special Month for Catholics

Aliyah Marie R Coopera

November is a special month for Catholics as it always reminds us of all the people who have died and those who have sacrificed their lives for us. We remember them and pray for them. The end of November, is also the end of the liturgical year. After this day a new time in the Church’s year begins. This is known as Advent, the four weeks until Christmas.

During the month of November, we gather as a school community, and we pray for all the souls that we remember in our hearts. We pray a special prayer that is called ‘The Eternal Rest Prayer’. It is said like this: ‘Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.’ At St Vincent de Paul School we pray this prayer three times. Firstly, we pray for our loved ones who we have lost. Secondly, we pray for all who heroically died in the wars. Thirdly and probably most importantly, we pray for all who do not have anyone to pray for them.

An envelope is brought to all teachers and each pupil and staff member may write the names of all those special souls they want to remember and pray for. Due to the importance of this envelope, we place it on a pillow and a different pupil is chosen in each assembly and gently places their hands on the pillow. As we pray, we think about those people whose names are in our special envelopes. This is a tradition started many years ago and one which is special to our school.

On 11 November at the time of 11 am we respectfully stay silent for exactly 2 minutes as a school family. During these two minutes we think of all the people who have died in the World Wars and who are important to us. We also sell poppies and wear those poppies as a sign of remembrance. The money that we use to buy these poppies is used to donate to charities that need help. On 1 November we think once again about all the people who are in heaven and who are with God. The true name of this day is the Solemnity of All Saints. This day is also a joyful remembrance, so we gather as a school and we have Mass all together.

On the following day – 2 November, All Souls’ day - we remember all the faithful departed. As you read this, think about all those who are no longer with us and pray for them.