The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls’ Day, will take place Nov. 2 and is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of the deceased, especially our loved ones, entrusting them to God’s mercy with the hope found in Christ’s Resurrection. 

The day presents another opportunity: introspection and planning. Reflecting on final wishes can be uncomfortable, but making those decisions and recording them for loved ones not only ensures final arrangements are in accordance with the Catholic faith but also alleviates hardship on those grieving. Through a recent partnership with Catholic Legacy, a ministry of Relevant Radio, the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama is now able to offer practical funeral and estate planning resources. 

“Through the generosity of donors to the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Catholic Charities and Communities, we can support services and resources that help individuals and families navigate important life decisions with greater peace of mind,” explained Allen McClendon, director of the Office of Development and Stewardship.

The no-cost planning resource offers a Wake, Funeral, and Cemetery Guide, which includes hymn and reading selections, a recording tool for Funeral Mass and burial preferences, and a tool to request Masses. All the faithful of the diocese are invited to use the free Funeral Planning Guide, a gift from the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. To learn more, please visit www.catholiclegacy.com/org/diocese/birmingham-funeral. For more information on estate planning, please visit www.catholiclegacy.com/org/diocese/birmingham.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.