November Liturgical Calendar: A Time for Prayer and Remembrance

Dear Friends,

As we enter November, the month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, let us remember our faithful departed in prayer and acts of mercy. This month encourages us to renew our awareness of the Communion of Saints, connecting us to the souls in Purgatory and the saints in Heaven.

This guide will help you and your family observe this sacred month, honor key feast days, and prepare your hearts for Advent.

Key Feasts and Observances

November 1 – All Saints' Day (Solemnity) 

A holy day honoring all saints, known and unknown. It’s a time to celebrate those who have reached Heaven and inspire us by their examples of holiness.

November 2 – All Souls' Day (Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed) 

We pray for the souls in Purgatory, entrusting them to God’s mercy. A plenary indulgence can be gained by visiting a cemetery to pray for the dead on this day and each day through November 8 (under the usual conditions).

November 9 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 

This feast reminds us of our connection to the universal Church and honors the dedication of the Pope’s official cathedral.

November 21 – Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Mary’s early dedication to God inspires us to dedicate ourselves to His will.

November 30 – Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle 

St. Andrew’s day invites us to reflect on our readiness to follow Christ. His feast also begins the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, prayed 15 times daily until Christmas Eve.

Additional Feasts for Novus Ordo and TLM

Novus Ordo (New Mass) Observances:

- November 10 – St. Leo the Great, known for his teachings and leadership.

- November 17 – St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who dedicated her life to the poor.

Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) Observances:

- November 5 – Feast of the Holy Relics, celebrating our connection to the saints.

- November 11 – Feast of Saint Martin (Martinmas), one of the Church’s earliest leaders.

- November 23 – St. Clement I, one of the Church’s earliest leaders.

- November 26 – St. Sylvester the Abbot, a reformer of monastic life.

Spiritual Preparation: 33-Day Consecration to Mary

Starting November 5, you can begin the 33-day Consecration to Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. This preparation, ending on December 8, leads up to the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 9 this year. The consecration process invites us to entrust our lives to Mary and, through her, to Jesus.

Virtue of the Month: Charity

Throughout November, consider focusing on charity, the virtue of love and generosity. Practical ways to practice charity this month:

- Offer a daily prayer for souls in Purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them.

- Visit a cemetery to pray for the dead.

- Give alms to a local food pantry or shelter, remembering those in need.

Confession and Spiritual Renewal

November is a perfect time to assess our spiritual lives and make a good confession as we prepare for Advent. Here are some steps to help in your examination:

1. Reflect on Your Faith: Consider your commitment to daily prayer, Mass attendance, and following God’s commandments. Where have you grown this year, and where might you seek improvement?

2. Examination of Conscience: Use an examination of conscience guide to help you reflect deeply on areas needing growth. The sacrament of confession offers forgiveness and grace to begin anew.

3. Schedule Confession: Check your local parish for confession times, especially as Advent approaches, to enter this season with a clean heart.

Family Activities and Resources for November

- Praying for the Dead: Use the Eternal Rest Prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

- Catholic Cuisine: Prepare a dish inspired by a saint, like soul cakes for All Souls’ Day or treats for St. Andrew’s Day.

- Catholic Planners: Keep track of feast days, liturgical events, and prayers to bring the rhythm of the Church year into daily life.

Scripture and Reflection for November

Reflect on these passages to connect with the themes of November:

- John 11:25-26: Jesus’ promise of resurrection, “I am the resurrection and the life…”

- 1 Corinthians 15: St. Paul’s message on the hope of resurrection.

- Psalm 23: A comforting reminder of God’s presence through life and beyond.

Special Prayers and Novenas

St. Andrew Christmas Novena
Begin the St. Andrew Christmas Novena on November 30, repeating this prayer 15 times daily until Christmas Eve:

“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.”

Thousand Hail Mary Devotion
Consider undertaking the Thousand Hail Mary Devotion as a profound expression of love and reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary. The most common way to pray this devotion is over 25 days, beginning on November 29, leading up to Christmas Eve. This allows you to pray 40 Hail Marys each day, a manageable segment that encourages deep reflection on Mary’s life and virtues.

You can also structure the devotion in other ways:

• Daily Sessions: Pray 100 Hail Marys daily over ten days.

• Shorter Sessions: Pray 50 Hail Marys over twenty days.

• Single Sitting: Some choose to complete all 1,000 in one sitting, though this can be quite a commitment.

During the devotion, consider incorporating meditative reflections or intentions for specific needs, asking for Mary's intercession. This practice fosters a deeper connection to Mary and encourages perseverance in prayer, especially as we prepare our hearts for the Advent season.

Monthly Intention for Family or Community Prayer

Consider focusing on this intention for November: Pray for all souls in Purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them. Encourage your family to offer intentions for deceased loved ones and friends at Mass or through private prayer.

Liturgical Colors for November

During the final weeks after Pentecost (or Ordinary Time), the liturgical color remains green, symbolizing hope and growth in faith. Green reminds us that, even in ordinary moments, God nurtures our spiritual journey, drawing us closer to Him daily.

On All Souls' Day, the color shifts to purple, symbolizing penance and prayer. This color invites us to reflect on our need for mercy and the eternal hope of Heaven for all souls. Purple also prepares us for the Advent season, which begins at the end of November and continues in the color purple, guiding us through a time of anticipation and spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ.

Assessing Spiritual Growth and Ways to Deepen Your Faith

Here are some ideas to help you assess your spiritual life and find growth opportunities this month:

1. Daily Prayer Commitment: Reflect on your prayer routine. Are you consistent, or could you add time for meditation, Scripture reading, or the Rosary?

2. Daily Readings: Consider dedicating a few minutes each day to read the daily Mass readings provided by the Church. These readings guide us through Scripture with themes of hope, repentance, and preparation, helping us focus on the promises of eternal life and the hope of Heaven. Following the daily readings connects us to the liturgical year, allowing God’s word to deepen our understanding and reflection, particularly in this month dedicated to the Holy Souls.

3. Service and Charity: Charity is an excellent way to live out your faith. Volunteer as a family or contribute to causes in need, such as a food pantry, especially as we approach Thanksgiving.

4. Personal Devotions: Take up a devotion to the Sacred Heart, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or the Holy Souls in Purgatory, choosing prayers that resonate with your needs or intentions.

Looking Ahead to Advent

November’s close marks the beginning of Advent, a season of waiting and hope as we prepare for Christ’s birth. Prepare your home with items like:

- An Advent wreath with candles

- An Advent calendar

- Daily devotional booklets for Advent reflections

Consider confession as part of your Advent preparation, renewing your heart as we enter this beautiful liturgical season.

May this November bring you and your family closer to God, deepen your love for His Church, and remind you of the joy and hope in the Communion of Saints. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like more resources or have questions.

In Christ,

Melissa

P.S. If you have any special intentions or prayer requests for the month, please feel free to share them with me, or in our Facebook Group. I would love to join you in prayer!

P.P.S. By the time you read this, I hope to have my updated planners and calendars available for the upcoming year! If you're interested, please let me know. As a special offer for my newsletter subscribers, if you refer three people who purchase either a planner or a calendar, I will provide you with a complimentary planner or calendar that fits your needs.