The Faithful Departed

The day that follows the Feast of All Saints on our church calendar, November 2^nd, is called the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed or All Souls Day. The book that describes the liturgical commemorations in The Episcopal Church, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, tells us this of All Souls Day:

”Beginning in the tenth century, it became customary to set aside another day—as a sort of extension of All Saints –on which the Church remembered that vast body of the faithful who, though no less members of the company of the redeemed, are unknown in the wider fellowship of the Church. It was also a day for particular remembrance of family members and friends.”

We had a wonderful Service of Remembrance last Wednesday evening as part of our monthly first Wednesday Prayer and Potluck. We listened to scripture, sang songs and a beautiful litany of the saints, and lit candles in memory of loved ones who have died. It was a reminder that as their life goes on with God in eternal glory, their light continues to burn brightly in the love they shared during their earthly pilgrimage, and that love never dies.

If you did not have a chance to attend the service in person or on live-stream, a recording is available on our website. Also on the website you can find In Memorium a pictorial tribute to the parishioners who have died since last All Saints Day set to beautiful music.

Finally, we give thanks that the positivity rate of the coronavirus has come down substantially and been below 5% for several consecutive days in our area. Therefore, we will be lifting the requirement to wear masks for indoor gatherings, effective today. Masks are still recommended, especially for those with weakened immune system, underlying medical conditions, those unvaccinated or if you feel more comfortable doing so. Please remember to stay home if you are not feeling well. As we have discovered over the past 19 months, conditions could change, and we will continue to respond as needed to ensure the safety of all at St. Michael’s.

And the entrance off Periwinkle is now open! Some paved sections of the parking lot may still be blocked off, but you can enter off Periwinkle to make your way to the parking lot.

Peace,

Bill+