All Saints
The celebration of All Saints marks the beginning of November and the final few weeks of the church year. The joyful festival of this weekend is followed by a time of remembrance and prayer.
This is a special period for us to remember those who have died. Perhaps more than ever this year we should take time to light a candle and pray at Masses for those who are no longer with us. It has not been possible for many of us to attend funerals of friends or relatives or visit them in their last days in hospital or care homes. We should take advantage of this time to keep alive their memory and show our affection and respect for them and commend them to God. As the days shorten and the light diminishes it is only to the light of Christ that can lighten our way and guide us home.
Last month we received the summary of all the proposals that have been received for the Diocesan Synod which will take place next year. There were four themed areas of discussion and each of these themes have in the region of 35 proposals which cover every area of parish and diocesan life. There are too many to include in the newsletter but over the next four weeks there will be a separate summary sheet of proposals from each of the four themes. If you have any comments or wish to strongly support some of the proposals perhaps you could email us at enquiries@metcathedral.org.uk and head it ‘Synod proposals response’. The first theme proposals range across many areas of life such as inclusivity, lay ministry, formation, safeguarding, young people, governance and schools and education.
For the celebration of All Souls on 2nd November there will be two Masses one at 9am and at 12 midday. The Midday mass will be live streamed as on a Sunday.
Almighty and eternal God, hear our prayers for those whom you have called from this life to yourself.
Grant them light, happiness, and peace. Let them pass in safety through the gates of death, and live for ever with all your saints in the light you promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith.
Guard them from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise them up with all your saints. Pardon their sins and give them eternal life in your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light come upon them. May the souls for the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
