Praying for the Faithful Departed
Throughout the month of November, the Church enters a sacred season of prayer, interceding for the holy and poor souls in Purgatory. Here at Holy Family, this sacred remembrance takes visible form in a cherished custom centred upon the side altar of Saint Joseph, patron of a happy and holy death.
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For this devotion, the altar of Saint Joseph is specially prepared. The statue of the Saint is vested in black as a sign of mourning, while the usual candles are replaced with unbleached ones, and the candlesticks with darker, more sombre tones. This quiet transformation of the altar invites all who visit to pause, reflect, and pray for the faithful departed, entrusting them to God’s mercy.​​
Beginning this year, we are also introducing a new addition to this cherished parish devotion: special prayers for the faithful departed will form part of the Saint Joseph Devotions every Tuesday after the 9.15 am Mass, throughout all four Tuesdays of November. In this way, our parish continues to place its trust in the intercession of Saint Joseph, praying for those who have died and for the grace of a peaceful death for ourselves. As usual, prayer booklets for this devotion will be provided to help everyone join in the prayers more fully.
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We warmly invite all parishioners and friends to take part in this devotion — to light a candle, visit the altar, and join us in prayer — that the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may rest in peace.
Before the altar, our November Memorial Candles are placed, each one lit in loving memory of departed family members, friends, and all the faithful departed. These 7-day candles, available from the parish office and the Repository for £5 each, offer a simple and meaningful way to unite our prayers with the whole Church in remembering our loved ones.