IN THIS EDITION:

• All Saints & All Souls by Father Tony Russo
• Remember the Faithful Departed
• Get to Know Your Parish Weekend Nov. 7 & 8
• More to Explore
• Things to Know Before You Go

This year, Sunday, Nov. 1, is the Solemnity of All Saints and is a Holy Day of Obligation because it falls on a weekend. On this day, the Church celebrates all the holy men and women, known and unknown, who now share in the glory of heaven. A saint is someone who allowed God’s grace to transform their life. Their witness reminds us that holiness is possible for every one of us.

On Monday, Nov. 2, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). While All Saints honors those already in heaven, All Souls is the day the Church prays for those who have died and are still being purified on their way to the fullness of eternal life. Together, these two days express the beautiful mystery of the Communion of Saints, the union of the Church in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful on earth.

Throughout the month of November, we remember our deceased family members, friends, and parishioners who have gone before us. In our parish, we will place lit candles on the second step of the altar to honor parishioners who have died in the past year. In the vestibule, you will find our Book of the Dead, where parishioners may inscribe the names of loved ones who have died. These signs remind us that our loved ones remain part of our parish family, and we carry them in prayer throughout this month.

Why Do We Pray for the Dead?

The Church teaches that some of the faithful, though they die in God’s grace, still need purification before entering heaven. This final purification is called Purgatory. Only what is pure can enter the presence of God. Even forgiven sin leaves behind effects that must be cleansed.

The Catechism explains:

“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but who are still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC 1030)

And again:

“The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect… The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire.” (CCC 1031)

Although the word Purgatory does not appear in Scripture, the doctrine is rooted in biblical faith and was solemnly taught at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The Church sees in Scripture several passages that point to purification after death:

2 Maccabees 12:46 – Prayer for the dead helps free them from sin.

1 Corinthians 3:15 – A person “will be saved, but only as through fire,” indicating purification.

Matthew 18:21–35 – Jesus’ parable of the Unforgiving Servant implies a “debt” that remains even after forgiveness.

Purgatory is not a place of despair; it is the final embrace of God’s mercy, preparing us to see Him face-to-face. Because of this, the Church has always prayed for the dead. Our prayers help those undergoing their final purification draw closer to the fullness of God’s love.

Prayer for the Faithful Departed

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

(Order of Christian Funerals, p. 120)

As we honor all the saints and pray for all souls, may we renew our hope in the Resurrection and entrust our loved ones to God’s tender mercy.

Have a blessed week,

Father Tony Russo

Pastor

(616) 676-9111, ext. 122

TRusso@strobertchurch.org

From Nov. 1-8, Catholics have the opportunity to gain indulgences for the faithful departed. Read more in our Nov. 1 bulletin online (p.9), or pick up a copy at Masses this weekend.

Throughout the month of November, we remember all who have entered into Eternal Life during the past year. Let us pray for these members of our parish and for all our loved ones who have died.

November 7-8 is Stewardship Weekend at St. Robert and we’re bringing back the Get to Know Your Parish event.

St. Robert parish family, you’re invited to stop into Newminster Hall after Masses Nov. 7 & 8 where representatives from more than 25 parish ministries will be available to answer questions and welcome your participation. Each ministry will be in Newminster for at least 30-40 minutes to give you time to learn about the wealth of opportunities to put your time, talent and treasure to use in our Church and our community.

Refreshments will be served and a Kids Zone will be available to keep your young ones occupied as you peruse the various tables.

St. Robert is a big church but it doesn’t have to feel that way! Serving in ministry and accompanying others in faith and fellowship helps bring the love of Christ into the world around us. Come find out how you can get involved in a way that speaks to your heart, find community and serve the Lord and others in meaningful ways.

For a preview of our parish ministries view the Parish Ministry Guide online on our website.

If you have questions, please contact SRN parishioners Dawn McDonald, arrivingdawn@gmail.com, or Anna Crawley, anna1954@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 is Election Day! Your vote matters! Find your polling place, ballot drop box locations, view a sample ballot and more on the Michigan Voter Information Center website. For Election Resources for Catholics/Faithful Citizenship, visit the Diocese of Grand Rapids website.

High School Youth Group will gather Sunday, Nov. 8 & 22 this month! 6:30-8:15 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Register your teen on our website here, or contact Katie Mendenhall, KMendenhall@strobertchurch.org, for more information.

St. Robert’s Faith & Fellowship for Young Adults meets monthly on the second Monday. All parishioners in their 20s and 30s are invited! Join them next for a discussion on relationships on Monday, Nov. 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Snacks and beverages will be served. Learn more and join the email list on our website.

Thank you for your generous donations of new toys for our SRN Wrapped in Hope fall service project benefitting women and children served by Safe Haven Ministries. Our culminating all-parish event for Wrapped in Hope is Wednesday, Nov. 11. Plan to join us for dinner, card-making and more, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in Newminster Hall. Visit our website for additional details or to learn how you can donate a new toy. Contact Katie Mendenhall, KMendenhall@strobertchurch.org, with questions or to help on Nov. 11. To volunteer to help with dinner that evening, click here.

A Grateful Nation Remembers

SRN’s Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors will host our parish’s 6th Annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, Nov. 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. Coffee and fellowship at 9:30 a.m. will precede the program.

The St. Robert School choir will open the celebration at 9:45 a.m. with patriotic songs. All parishioners and school families are invited.

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to Lu Paletta, lupaletta@gmail.com, so we can be sure to have enough food and seating. St. Robert parishioners have the opportunity to have a veteran or current service member recognized during the event. Due to an overwhelming response to this event, we’re also in need of additional volunteers to serve as greeters, ushers, and in hospitality. To volunteer or learn more, contact Lu at the email above, or see our Facebook post for details.

Happy Anniversary SRN! We’re getting ready to kick off our St. Robert Parish 75th anniversary Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 14 & 15. Our anniversary planning committee invites our entire parish community for refreshments in Newminster Hall after all weekend Masses as we get our anniversary celebrations underway. Visit our anniversary web page for more details.

A few things to know before you go …

• CAN CATHOLICS CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN? Watch this episode of Tuesday Talks with Father Jegar Fickel, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Big Rapids for all you need to know! (Facebook)
• THIS WEEK ON FORMED: Formed has on-demand Catholic content online for all ages. A free subscription is available to St. Robert parishioners. Sign up online at https://formed.org/signup.
• A HEART FOR SERVICE: VOLUNTEER | GET INVOLVED
• • Help out in the Nursery during Sunday 11:00 a.m. Mass
  • Wednesday Community Dinner: Prep & Serve | Serve & Clean up
  • Volunteer during our first annual Christmas Bazaar Nov. 14
  • Transportation Ministry: Help bring a parishioner who can no longer drive to weekend Mass. Be a regular or substitute driver! Contact Sue Perry to learn more or volunteer (616) 780-3456
  • Adopt-a-Family for Thanksgiving: If you would like to provide a family in need with a Thanksgiving feast, please consider St. Robert’s Adopt-a-Family Program. It requires no cooking; just purchasing and delivering food a few days before the holiday to a family in need in the Grand Rapids area. To volunteer or for more information, contact Mary Koval at (616) 490-2394, or email mbjakoval@att.net.

Connect with us!
St. Robert of Newminster Parish

Connect with us!

St. Robert Catholic School

© 2026

St. Robert of Newminster Parish
6477 Ada Drive Southeast, Ada, MI 49301
https://strobertchurch.org | https://strobertschoolada.org/
Church: (616) 676-9111 | School: (616) 455-4966