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Dear St. Charles Parishioners,

We will celebrate All Saints’ Day tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and All Souls’ Day on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. These are closely linked Christian observances that honor the dead. They occur on November 1 and 2, respectively, and hold great significance, particularly in our Roman Catholic tradition.

All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1, honors all known and unknown saints who have attained heaven. It began to commemorate martyrs but later expanded to include all those who lived virtuous lives and now enjoy eternal life with God.

The day reminds believers of their connection to the communion of saints—the spiritual unity of believers, both living and dead, who are in a state of grace. In Catholic tradition, it is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning we Catholics are required to attend Mass. The day serves as an inspiration for the living to follow the examples set by the saints.

All Souls’ Day, observed on November 2, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of the faithful departed who are believed to be in Purgatory, undergoing purification before entering heaven. The prayers of the living are thought to help these souls in their journey toward eternal peace. The day is based on the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints, which teaches that the Church consists of three parts: the Church Militant (the living), the Church Triumphant (those in heaven), and the Church Suffering (those in purgatory). All Souls’ Day focuses on the Church Suffering, emphasizing the responsibility of the living to pray for the dead.

In many cultures, these two days are marked by special traditions. In Mexico, for example, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which coincides with these dates, is a vibrant celebration where families build altars to honor their deceased loved ones, offering food, flowers, and mementos to encourage their spirits’ return. In other regions, people visit cemeteries, light candles, and place flowers on graves.

While All Saints’ Day celebrates the glory of those who have reached heaven, All Souls’ Day is more somber, focusing on the need for intercession for those still on their spiritual journey. Together, these observances encourage reflection on mortality, the afterlife, and the Christian hope of eternal life.

Blessings,

- - Father Augustine Joseph

Friday, November 1:
ALL SAINTS DAY - Holy Day of Obligation
Livermore Schools - No School Day
- Mass 9:00 a.m. - REVISED TIME (Church/Livestream)
- Mass 7:00 p.m. - REVISED TIME (Church)
Saturday, November 2:
ALL SOULS DAY
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- All Souls Day Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, November 3: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daylight Saving Time Ends
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with Children's Choir 9:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- RCIA Rite of Acceptance Rehearsal 10:45 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with RCIA Right of Acceptance/Welcoming 11:30 a.m. (Church)
This Mass will be longer than usual due to the Rite of Acceptance.
- Scouts 4:00 p.m. (Pope)
Monday, November 4: Feast Day of St. Charles Borromeo
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- Parent Meeting - Jan 2025 Confirmation Retreat Information 6:00 p.m. (Hall)
- High School Youth Ministry Class 7:00 pm (Hall)
Tuesday, November 5: Election Day!
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Faith Formation (1st - 5th Grade) 6:15 p.m. (Hall)
Wednesday, November 6:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 4:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Middle School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- RCIA 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Thursday, November 7:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church)
- WINGS (Women in God's Spirit) 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 3:30 p.m. (Hall)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- Family Rosary Prayer 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)