Although NOT a holy day of obligation, Friday, November 2, is the Commemoration of All of the Faithful Departed, commonly called All Souls' Day. Mass at the Cathedral will be at its usual noontime of 12:05 pm.

All Souls' Day is an important observance since not all persons - in fact, almost certainly most persons - do not achieve sainthood in heaven immediately upon their death. The immediate particular judgment of every deceased person may well discover imperfections which are consequences of sin, even forgiven sin. The Catholic Church understands that God, in His mercy, affords each soul an opportunity for purification of these faults so that the eventual perfection of heaven can be obtained. This opportunity - its customary name is purgatory and traditional images emphasize the painful sadness of the soul not yet in the longed-for presence of God - is a mystery, for in eternity time must necessarily be different from the way it's experienced on earth. But our prayers for those who are dead and who no longer can help themselves by works of charity and faith are important, for the Lord hears our intercessory pleas for them.