Here's a question: who are you? You might answer, "I'm a homeschooling mom," "I'm a construction worker. "I'm a student." Or you might point to your relationships: "I'm so-and-so's father" "I'm pastor of my parish." "I'm so-and-so's child." These answers explain important things about us, but today, as we celebrate All Saints' Day, St. John is asking us to consider another more fundamental answer.
"See what love the Father bestows on us," John writes, "that way we may be called the children of God"
You can almost hear the amazement and wonder in his voice! We seem so small compared to the majesty of God. Not to mention, we are sinners. And yet God has chosen to make us his own children. And why? Simply because he loves us. He loves us so deeply, so passionately, that he has given us his only son to forgive us, to reconcile us with himself, and to make us members of his family.
You won't always have the same role you have now. You won't always have the same relationships, either. But you will always be a child of God. That's who you are deep down-because your heavenly Father loves you and has called you into his family.
What does this have to do with the feast of All Saints? Everything! Today's celebration honours all the saints, both the ones whose names we know and those unknown, hidden saints. All these men and women treasured their identities as children of God and lived lives of holiness in countless heroic ways. They all held tightly to the Lord, even if it meant giving up everything else they valued-even if it meant giving up their lives.
Who are you? You are a child of God. You are beloved of Christ. That means that even you can press on to become a saint!
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us it's his Father's will that "everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life" (John 6:40)
Everyone who believes in Jesus! God the Father, who created us in love, wants us to experience his love forever. He deeply desires that everyone be saved. Today, on All Souls' Day, the whole Church prays in accord with the expressed will of God: that all the souls in purgatory will see Jesus and finally be received into the perfect joy of heaven. How much hope this can give us!
How encouraging, too, that our Father's mercy extends beyond our comprehension. he is so merciful that he even allows everyone who dies, "in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified" to continue to undergo purification-all so that we can receive eternal life (CCC 1030)
God wants us to have this hope and eternal life both for ourselves and for our loved ones. As St. Paul writes in our second reading. "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). Our hope is rooted in our faith in a loving, merciful God. We know that Jesus died and rose for us so that everyone could be saved (5:10). So we trust in that same love and mercy for our loved ones, just as we do for ourselves.
As you pray for all the souls in purgatory at Mass today, ask God to fill you with hope. Let him remind you of his everlasting love for you and for all those who have already passed away. As the celebrant lifts up the host and chalice, thank God for sending Jesus so the "everyone" may see him and believe in him. He has promised to raise us "on the last day" (John 6:40)-and that's a promise we can put our faith in!
The Meaning of All Souls’ Day – A Prayer for the Departed
Every year on November 2, the Church pauses in solemn remembrance to observe the Feast of All Souls’ Day — a sacred day dedicated to praying for all the faithful departed who have gone before us. It is a moment of reflection, hope, and deep love — a bridge between the living and those who await the fullness of eternal life.
Remembering with Faith
On this day, the faithful gather to pray for souls who may still be journeying through purification — a process of being perfected in God’s love before entering heaven. The Church reminds us that our prayers, Masses, and sacrifices offered for the departed can bring them peace and hasten their union with God. Death, then, is not the end but a continuation of our journey in God’s mercy.
On this day, the faithful gather to pray for souls who may still be journeying through purification — a process of being perfected in God’s love before entering heaven. The Church reminds us that our prayers, Masses, and sacrifices offered for the departed can bring them peace and hasten their union with God. Death, then, is not the end but a continuation of our journey in God’s mercy.
The Power of Mercy and Intercession
The words, “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” are more than a prayer — they are a declaration of hope. It is through God’s infinite mercy that our loved ones find rest. The prayer connects heaven, earth, and purgatory — a profound act of love that transcends time and space.
When we pray for the departed, we participate in the divine mystery of mercy, offering spiritual comfort to those souls who still long for the beatific vision of God.
Living in the Light of Eternity
All Souls’ Day gently invites us to reflect on our own lives — to live with eternity in mind. It teaches us that love never dies; it simply changes its form. Our prayers become a lifeline of love reaching beyond the veil of death.
Through every whispered “Rest in peace,” we are reminded that one day, we too shall rest in the mercy of God.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Family Activities
Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)
John 6:37-40
Today we remember all those who have died, especially the Holy Souls in Purgatory. While we hope and pray to die in a state of grace, we cannot enter Heaven unless we are perfectly purified of even the smallest sin or attachment to sin. While we can do this even on earth (prayers, good works, etc.), God in His Mercy has given us Purgatory for those who have died in a state of grace yet are not perfectly purified. The souls in Purgatory suffer greatly yet they are glad to know they will go to Heaven once they are purified. We ought to pray for all those in Purgatory, especially the souls who have no one else to pray for them. As Jesus says in John 6, which is one of the options for the Gospel today, it is the Will of the Father that “everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” This is what we pray for and believe in with hope.
Activities:
● Visit a cemetery and pray for the souls of those who are buried there.
● Have you lost a loved one recently or know someone who has? Have a Mass offered up for your deceased loved one’s soul.
● CatholicMom.com has great resources for this time of year. Visit their website and search “Holy Souls” to get started!
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord
Psalm 103
For generations our cemeteries have served as a final resting place for our loved ones, a place of peace, prayer and remembrance where we honour those who came before us and uphold the traditions of our faith with dignity and respect.
Maintaining the cemeteries-ensuring they remain, clean, safe and beautiful is both a spiritual responsibility and a practical necessity. The costs of upkeep, including landscaping, repairs and long-term care continue to rise each year. These ongoing expenses are not fully covered by burial fees and plot sales. As a result, we need to start relying on the generosity of our parishioners at SFX and SJB to help sustain this sacred space.
When you receive your collection envelopes for 2026 at SFX and SJB you will notice in November (the month of Remembrance) there is a new Cemetery Fund envelope.
We are asking each family from both parishes to prayerfully consider donating this year to support the care and maintenance of our cemeteries.
If you would like to donate you may do so through your church office or put in collection basket in an envelope stating it is for Cemetery Fund. To ensure the donations go on your tax receipt please make sure any cheques are made out to the church.
Any questions or concerns please speak to a board member or contact cemetery administrator Colette Thornycroft 613.342.2993 or stfrancisxavier@archkingston.ca
On behalf of the St Francis Xavier Cemetery Board thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Mike Kalivas, Michael Lebel, Matt Wren, Tom Bush, Paul Reid and Michael McMahon
Let us continue to pray for those who have gone before us.
FALL BAZAAR Saturday Nov 8th, 9am to 2pm at St Francis Xavier School, 74 Church Street Brockville. Enjoy a delicious lunch including tea and coffee. Cost $5.00. Baked goods, Chili, Baked Beans etc will be available to purchase.
Purchase tickets for our raffle baskets-cost $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.
Other items for sale include plants, gently used attic treasures, newly crafted Christmas items, and candles. etc. Bring your family and friends.
Sponsored by the Catholic Women’s League of St. Francis Xavier.
Purchase tickets for our raffle baskets-cost $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.
Other items for sale include plants, gently used attic treasures, newly crafted Christmas items, and candles. etc. Bring your family and friends.
Sponsored by the Catholic Women’s League of St. Francis Xavier.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The CWL is requesting donations of baked goods, squares and sandwiches for our Fall Bazaar. These items can be dropped off on Friday Nov 7th @ St Francis Xavier School after 4pm and the sandwiches can be dropped off at the school on Saturday, Nov 8th in the morning.
RECENT WORK DONE AT ST FRANCIS XAVIER
SFX has had some significant work done recently. Last week, two of our boilers at the Church were replaced by Upper Canada HVAC and this week Deir Masonry began working on the front steps and wall of the church.
Any and all donations to these projects are appreciated.
ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY Manned collection boxes will be at the entrances of the Church this weekend (first Sunday of each month). Thank you for your help. For more information call 343-327-2120. You are also able to make a donation by e-transfer to ssvpstfrancisbrockville@gmail.com
If you are interested in joining us to assist our less fortunate neighbours please call 343-327-2120.
November: Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
The month of November is dedicated to the holy souls in purgatory. The souls in purgatory are on the path of purification and they rely on the prayers and intercessions of the living.
Let us remember these souls with compassion and empathy, understanding that they await the final purification to enter into heaven. In praying for the souls in purgatory, we not only fulfill an act of charity, but we also deepen our understanding of God’s infinite love and mercy for each and every one of us.
This month, let us offer all our prayers, Masses, and acts of charity on behalf of all the souls in purgatory, that they may be lead to Heaven and have eternal life with God.
NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE
The Book of Remembrance will be in the church during the month of November. You are invited to write the names of any deceased person, family member or friend, that you want to remember in prayer.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed are offered each year in St Francis Xavier Cemetery. This year it will be on All Souls Day-Sunday November 2 beginning at 1pm at Roselawn in Maitland followed by prayers in the Cemetery on Lyn Road, followed by prayers in the Old St. Francis Cemetery.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed are offered each year in St Francis Xavier Cemetery. This year it will be on All Souls Day-Sunday November 2 beginning at 1pm at Roselawn in Maitland followed by prayers in the Cemetery on Lyn Road, followed by prayers in the Old St. Francis Cemetery.
Please note there was an error in the bulletin-Prayers begin at 1pm at Roselawn in Maitland.
Not yet on FORMED?
It’s FREE to everyone within the parish boundaries of St Francis Xavier Parish, our gift to you!
Visit: FORMED.org/signup.
PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL
John Davis, Cecile Houle, Rick Weir, Maureen LeClair, Vince Del Riccio, Paul Cosgrove, David White, Al Tremblay, Betty DeKleine, Peter Lafleur, Florence & John Boisvert, Al Ferguson, Doug McCaul, Mary Lambert, Justin Lefave, Ann Ruigrok, , Laurie Lirette, Ursula Thompson, Donna Brewer, Nila Suan, Lucille Paolini, Peter Vander Linden, Karen Nesbitt, Kerry Walsh, Noel Davis, Norah Kirkby, Lauraine Parent, Vincent Boileau, Linda Ellis, Michele Stenoff, Noel Davis, Johanna Ford, Victoria Roy, Rod McAvoy, Helen Simones, Jack Nelson, Mary Ford, Phyllis Dennis, Ray Dubuc, Mary Jane Desmarais, Mary Gilliard, Fila Kelba, Normand Buckle, Laureen Elliott, Jeanette De Dekker, Geraldine Secord, Bruce McDougall, Father Leo Byrne, Zoltan Zadory, Jocelyn and Joseph O’Grady, Rev. Michael McCarthy, Claire Rousseau, Don Pickett, Joan Capener, Leona Dove, Suzette Cousineau, Marilyn Smith, John Heuthorst, Jazmyn Boyer, Fr. Mac Burke, Bill Frankcom, Ann Macdonald and Amber Legace.
PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO DIED: Jane Anderson, Ethel Palko, Brenda Bain, Bernard Bolger, Lorraine Horahan, Heidi Reid, Bernice Ladanyi, Ron Grimsgaard, Brianna Cousineau, Marcel Gendron, James Nyitrai, Margaret Mullins, Margot Green, Patricia Gooding, Carl Comeau, Elizabeth MacRae, Henry Peiris, Harry Kowlessar, Lorie Secord.
Greetings, friends in Christ!
Thank you for joining us in prayer today. We hope these few minutes spent in prayer bring peace to your day! Please join us as we pray:
- For peace in the world and in our homes
- For the continued fruitfulness of our spiritual community
- For guidance for those in leadership positions
- In thanksgiving for the friendships in our lives
- For you, and your physical, spiritual, and mental well-being
How can we pray for you this week? You can submit a prayer request through the button below!
Pray for those of us facing hardships and other personal challenges
For everyone who is struggling through the loss of hope, for those who are in pain and who are suffering, that they may persevere with God’s help
Please pray for Joan who has recently suffered a stroke.
Please pray that the pain in my leg soon heals so that I can lead a meaningful life again.
For everyone who is struggling through the loss of hope, for those who are in pain and who are suffering, that they may persevere with God’s help
Please pray for Joan who has recently suffered a stroke.
Please pray that the pain in my leg soon heals so that I can lead a meaningful life again.
A painting of Brockville, Ontario in 1843
Artist Frederick Lock
This is a classic recipe, my 13 year old loves these-he says they are best if they are kept in the freezer. 😁
No-Bake Chow Mein Cookies
Ingredients
11–12 ounces butterscotch chips (about 2 cups)
11–12 ounces chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
12 ounces chow mein noodles (about 6 cups)
1 cup salted peanuts
11–12 ounces chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
12 ounces chow mein noodles (about 6 cups)
1 cup salted peanuts
Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
Place both the butterscotch chips and the chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chips together in the microwave, stirring chips every 30-45 seconds, until smooth.
Remove from microwave and begin folding in the chow mein noodles a little at a time until they are completely coated with the melted chip mixture. Fold in peanuts until they are completely coated.
Drop chow mein mixture by the spoonful onto prepared baking sheet. Place baking sheet in the refrigerator until Chow Mein Cookies have completely set.
Once Chow Mein Cookies have set, store covered at room temperature.
Kids Bulletin All Souls' Day
Paper copies available on the table at the back of the Church
REGISTRATION FOR FIRST COMMUNION AT
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER AND ST. JOHN BOSCO Registration is under way for Reconciliation and First Communion at both parishes. Please contact your parish office for more information.
THE SACRED SILENCE AFTER COMMUNION
_______________
The chalice is purified.
The ciborium is returned.
The choir’s final notes fade.
And then… silence.
Not the silence of boredom.
Not the silence of conclusion.
But the silence of mystical union.
The silence of a soul resting in God.
The silence where Heaven speaks.
THIS IS NOT EMPTY TIME, IT IS DIVINE TIME
Many people think Communion is over once the Host is consumed.
But in truth, that is when the most sacred conversation begins.
You have just received the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.
Right now, your body is a living tabernacle.
Your soul is more glorious than Moses’ face on Sinai.
Why rush?
“SPEAK, LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING”
This is the moment to say, like young Samuel (1 Sam 3:10):
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
Because God does speak in that silence.
He may not thunder.
He may not shake mountains.
But He whispers to the soul:
“I am with you.”
“I forgive you.”
“Trust Me.”
“I love you.”
HEAVEN IS NOT LOUD, IT IS LOVING
After Communion, the soul is like Mary at the Annunciation:
quiet, receptive, overshadowed by grace.
Or like John resting on the breast of Jesus at the Last Supper.
There are no speeches.
Only intimacy.
This is not the time to check your phone.
It is the time to check your heart.
THIS IS THE TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving.
And now is when that thanksgiving must rise from your soul like incense:
Thank You, Lord, for coming into me.
Thank You for mercy I didn’t deserve.
Thank You for healing wounds I didn’t confess.
Thank You for letting me touch Heaven… without dying.
YOU ARE STILL CARRYING THE KING
_______________
The chalice is purified.
The ciborium is returned.
The choir’s final notes fade.
And then… silence.
Not the silence of boredom.
Not the silence of conclusion.
But the silence of mystical union.
The silence of a soul resting in God.
The silence where Heaven speaks.
THIS IS NOT EMPTY TIME, IT IS DIVINE TIME
Many people think Communion is over once the Host is consumed.
But in truth, that is when the most sacred conversation begins.
You have just received the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.
Right now, your body is a living tabernacle.
Your soul is more glorious than Moses’ face on Sinai.
Why rush?
“SPEAK, LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING”
This is the moment to say, like young Samuel (1 Sam 3:10):
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
Because God does speak in that silence.
He may not thunder.
He may not shake mountains.
But He whispers to the soul:
“I am with you.”
“I forgive you.”
“Trust Me.”
“I love you.”
HEAVEN IS NOT LOUD, IT IS LOVING
After Communion, the soul is like Mary at the Annunciation:
quiet, receptive, overshadowed by grace.
Or like John resting on the breast of Jesus at the Last Supper.
There are no speeches.
Only intimacy.
This is not the time to check your phone.
It is the time to check your heart.
THIS IS THE TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving.
And now is when that thanksgiving must rise from your soul like incense:
Thank You, Lord, for coming into me.
Thank You for mercy I didn’t deserve.
Thank You for healing wounds I didn’t confess.
Thank You for letting me touch Heaven… without dying.
YOU ARE STILL CARRYING THE KING
I'm not great at being physically still, so I was relieved and intrigued to learn that a more direct translation of "be still" from the original language in Psalm 46 is "let go." It carries the idea of dropping or slackening.
There’s a lot of letting go in the seasons of our life, as portioned out by God and presented in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal
.A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
"We scatter stones. (Let go.)
We cease embracing. (Let go.)
We stop searching. (Let go.)
We throw away. (Let go.)
But this application of "be still" is a lot more uncomfortable than simply not moving. What if we love those stones? What if we love what or whom we're embracing? What if we love the object of our searching? What if we love what we're being asked to throw away?
These are hard places of faith.
If what we're being asked to let go of is a person, we can know that God loves him or her, too…and even more than we do. If it's a desire or dream, we can know that God's plans for us are always for our good. And covering all this, we can know that God's first priority is always for us to know Him best, because that is for our best—and for the best of whatever or whomever we're holding onto.
