The Healing Journey

October 29, 2026

Masses scheduled in cemeteries for All Souls Day

By Joe Pisani

On All Souls Day and throughout the month of November, Catholics make a special effort to pray for their loved ones who passed and to console one another who are grieving.

Praying for the dead is one of the oldest Catholic traditions, when the Church honors the dead and prays for the relief of the holy souls in purgatory, encouraging the faithful to visit their graves and have memorial Masses said.

One of the most difficult moments in life is the separation that occurs with death, but it is a separation that is only temporary, the Lord has promised us. The All Souls Mass helps us reunite with our loved ones who have gone before us, and we pray for them — as the prayers of the funeral Mass say — so they can be freed from their sins.

This year, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed will be celebrated at Catholic cemeteries throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport on Monday, November 2, rain or shrine, according to Kenn Devane of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

“It is very special for our cemetery family to host these Masses and hear from family members how much they appreciate us creating an opportunity to celebrate with their relatives, friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners,” said Devane, director of cemetery relations. “Every year, hundreds turn out for this special opportunity and realize they are not alone in their grief, sadness, loneliness and sorrow. That community under each tent helps everyone realize that we are one in God’s family and someday, we will join our family in Heaven.”

He said Catholic Cemeteries provides tents, seats, music, programs, holy water and facilities each year.

“In most locations between 300 and 400 people come together to share Mass, memories and the magic of doing this in the cemetery with their loved ones,” he said. “Each cemetery is unique and the pastors who celebrate the Masses for us, make the occasion very special with remembrances of the friends and family members who have passed, how special they are and how much they are missed.”

The Masses will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed at diocesan cemeteries. Afterward, holy water from the Lourdes, France, will be distributed.

Masses will be held at:

1. St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery at 399 North Street in Greenwich at 11 a.m. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the principal celebrant.
2. St. Michael Cemetery at 2205 Stratford Avenue in Stratford at 11 a.m.
3. St. Peter Cemetery at 71 Lake Avenue Ext. in Danbury at 11 a.m.
4. St. John Cemetery at 25 Camp Avenue in Darien at 11 a.m.
5. St. John Cemetery at 223 Richards Avenue in Norwalk at 11 a.m.
6. Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 1056 Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull at 11 a.m.
7. Little Angels Shrine at Resurrection Cemetery at 208 South Main Street in Newtown at noon.

For more information, call (203) 742-1450 or email [email protected].

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