As we entered November this week, we’ve spent a good deal of time praying for those who have passed away. We’ve remarked among ourselves before that there is far more of that here than we’re accustomed to, and not just in November. Part of the shift, I suppose, is moving back into a parish, where death is a more normal part of life than it is in a collegian enclave of young adults. As part of a parish faith community instead of a university one, we’re surrounded by announcements of funerals and the prayer “May they rest in peace” makes its way into every Mass at LEAST once.

On Tuesday, the Feast of All Souls, we were able to join with the parish community in a special remembrance of all those in the parish who passed away during the last year. The Folk Group provided the music for this service, and I think all of us found our voices trembling a bit as we joined this community’s coming together to celebrate the lives of those they miss.

As we continue this month of November, this month of remembrance, we pray for all those who have gone before us. We pray especially for those at Notre Dame mourning the recent loss in that community, and we pray for all of us who are still journeying towards our final rest in God.