Mass introduction, penitential rite and prayers of the faithful - All Souls Day

All Souls Day - Introduction: 

On All Saints Day and today on All Souls Day, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there.  God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home. 

Penitential Rite: In today’s mass, as we prepare to renew our trust in God’s mercy, let us call to mind our sins: 

1 Lord Jesus - You raise the dead to life in the Spirit, Lord have mercy. 

2 Christ Jesus - You bring pardon and peace to the sinner, Christ have mercy. 

3 Lord, Jesus, You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  

Prayers of the faithful: 

Priest:  As we continue on our journey to see the face of God, let us ask for help in the struggles we face as we present to God our needs and the needs of the world. 

1.  For all who follow Christ, that their faith in eternal life after death may be strong and resilient. We pray to the Lord.

2. For men and women who have died in war, violence, and acts of terrorism, that the tragedy of their deaths may spur humanity to build a world of peace, healing and tolerance.  We pray to the Lord. 

3. For young people and children who have died before their time; for parents who have endured the loss of a child, that the healing light of Christ may bring them hope, light and peace.  We pray to the Lord. 

4. For all who have died tragically, in accidents or by suicide, that God who holds dear all he has made may raise them up.  We pray to the Lord. 

5. For all our relatives, friends and fellow parishioners who have gone before us in faith, particularly those who have died this past year, that they may have the fullness of eternal joy. We pray to the Lord.  

6. For the sick and shut-ins of our community, for those in the hospital, hospice or nursing homes.  Prayers for healing and perseverance.  Prayers for their families and their caregivers.  We pray to the Lord.  

Priest: O God, you are the desire of the nations  Our souls thirst for you. As we seek your divine presence today, we ask that you hear the prayers we make in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen.