by R.J. Sanchez

Every year at this time, we prepare for the largest event on our calendar - the observance of All Souls Day. We look forward to this day as an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual nature of this ministry of burial of the dead. The days are filled with thousands of visitors and cultural memorial observations, such as processions and altars. Last year, we did erect a small altar at the front office and encouraged visitors to come by and leave remembrances of their loved ones. The day ended with a Mass with the Most Rev. Bishop Popp,DD presiding and about 1500 visitors in attendance.

This year we would like to again extend an invitation to everyone able to celebrate Mass with us. To make this event even more significant, beginning in mid-October, we will have a Depository at the front office for visitors to place their special intentions. Similar to the special intentions basket that we find at the entrance of our churches, people are welcome to fill out a small form and add the name of their loved one. Once collected those special notes will be placed in a basket and brought up during the mass as offering on behalf of all our deceased. This gives opportunity to family and friends to make a special request even though they may not be present for the service.

Masses in remembrance of all the faithful departed will be held at each of our cemeteries on Monday, 2 November 1998. Locations and times are as follows:
San Fernando Cemetery I    9:30 am with Rev.Monsignor Sherrill Smith
San Fernando Cemetery II    7:00 pm with Most Rev. Patrick Flores,DD
San Fernando Cemetery III    3:00 pm with Most Rev. Tom Flanagan,DD
Holy Cross Cemetery        10:00 am with Most Rev. Patrick Zurek,DD

As a closing note, All Souls Day may be the largest occasion but it is not the only time we have mass for those buried here. At San Fernando II, mass is held the first Saturday of every month at 10:00am in the Mausoleum Chapel. Holy Cross has mass the second Saturday of the month and San Fernando III celebrates mass on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Everyone is encouraged to come visit their loved ones and attend mass whenever they can.