Long before trick-or-treating and costume parties began, the Church has been celebrating the lives of those men and women who have gone before us on the feasts of All Souls and All Saints. We in the St. Cloud area are fortunate enough to have a standing invitation to participate in the Abbey's celebration of All Souls/All Saints days (and any other occasion for Mass or the Liturgy of the Hours).
Even if you do have plans for trick-or-treating or a costume party on All Hallow's Eve, take advantage of this beautiful (and local) vigil prayer that the Benedictine monks at St. John's Abbey invite the community to join in each year. Whether you are remembering a particular death in your cirlce of family or friends this year, or are just curious about the over-shadowed Catholic tradition, it is a beautiful practice and one worth participating in.
The Vigil begins at 7pm on Saturday October 31, 2009 at the Abbey Church. Enjoy!