Why Pray for Souls in Purgatory?

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
(All Souls Day, November 2)

All Souls DayHandout or Bulletin Insert.

Description: This handout or church bulletin insert for All Souls Day uses John 6:37-40 to explain why we honor all the departed who were the faithful followers of Christ. Can we help those who are in purgatory? Definitely! This is why the Catholic Church provides memorial Masses for the deceased. We’re praying for those who died in the arms of Jesus but who have not yet reached the full glory of heaven. Rarely does anyone die in the full state of grace, perfect in holiness. Most still have unrepented or unexpiated sins (“unexpiated” means insufficient penance has been made to rectify the damage of sin). God wants all of his children to receive the fullness of his perfect love, which means being forever united to him in a state of complete holiness. Because nothing unholy exists in heaven, when souls realize what they’ve forfeited by clinging to their sins, they want to be purged. They gladly choose the state or process of purgatory to reach the state of full grace. Our loving prayers help them in this transition.

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Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for All Souls Day Mass or handout to distribute in the church pamphlet racks for the month of November, adult education class about life after death, RCIA class, etc. This leaflet gives hope to those who are worried about the fate of their deceased loved ones.

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Beth Solis, a group facilitator in Oklahoma, says, "Our members asked us in the beginning if we minded taking things slowly so we could have time to really discuss each paragraph. We always have such great discussion! The PPT has been very helpful and is a nice addition."

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Feedback from a study group in Florida

Sylvia says, "This experience deepened my love for the Eucharist in ways I couldn’t imagine when we first started this course."

Karen says, "I never thought that I would read an encyclical. However, using the study guide made this experience so rewarding. It broadened my view about the Eucharist and my Catholic faith that makes me love and appreciate what Jesus did for us ever more deeply."

Tim says, "Being the only convert in the group, I ascertained a better and stronger understanding of the importance of the Eucharist, not only in the Mass but also in my daily life."

Jimmy says, "I learned so much about the Eucharist that was powerful and enlightening. This course helped deepen my faith and my appreciation for the Holy Mass."

Erin says, "It was amazing to get everyone’s perspective on the readings. And it deepened my love in the beautiful gift that the Eucharist is to all humanity for our salvation."

Shirley says, "This course was so enlightening. It was a gift that helped me grow in my faith."

Which PowerPoint Presentations cover what Sacraments?

An overview of all 7 sacraments is in the PPT
"The Nature and Function of the Church".

PLUS: The sacraments are also covered in the following PPTs:

Baptism - The Call to Discipleship
& it's further developed in
1. Confession: Sacrament of Healing
2. The Creed
3. Mission of the Redeemer

Eucharist - Christ's True Presence in the Mass
& it's further developed in
1. Life in Jesus
2. Who's Who in the Catholic Church
3. Confession: Sacrament of Healing
4. The Creed

Confirmation - The Sacrament of Confirmation
& it's further developed in
1. Salvation History
2. The Nicene Creed

Reconciliation - Confession: Sacrament of Healing
& it's further developed in
1. Who's Who in the Catholic Church

Anointing of the Sick is covered primarily in
The Nature and Function of the Church

Holy Orders - Who's Who in the Catholic Church
& it's further developed in
1. Christ's True Presence in the Mass

Marriage is touched on in The Call to Discipleship