november 1
all saints
Use the Common of Holy Women and Men.
These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
prayer
Today we praise you, O God, for all those who have gone before us and who now rejoice in your presence – holy men and women of every time and place. We remember especially the members of our own families and community who are in your presence. May this great cloud of witnesses support and encourage us as we make our way to you, and may we, one day, be united in the communion of saints. We ask this in anticipation of that day. Amen.
November 2
all souls
Use the Office for the Dead.
As a deer craves running water, I thirst for you, my God. When will I see your face?
prayer
We pray today, O saving God, for all those who have departed this life in the hope of your promised resurrection, especially the members of our families and our community who have died in the past year. Forgive them their sins and failings for they tried to walk in your way and longed to see you face to face, in the presence of all your saints. We ask this through Jesus, whom you raised from the dead. Amen.
november 3
saint martin de porres
Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
prayer
Compassionate God, Martin was recognized in his lifetime as a friend of those enduring poverty and illness. Through his example may we respond in mercy when confronted with another’s sorrow. Give us hearts warmed by you love and strengthened by your justice that we may address the causes of suffering in our world. We ask this, as a community called to service. Amen.
november 11
death of catherine mcauley
Use Common for Mercy Feast I or II and Proper Intercessions.
november 12
saint frances xavier cabrini
Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
prayer
God of our journey, we honor Frances Xavier Cabrini as the patron of immigrants. Through her intercession, we pray for all those who seek a new life in a new homeland. May they experience welcome; may their gifts and beliefs be respected; may they find security through employment. We ask this through the intercession of Frances. Amen.
november 17
saint elizabeth of hungary
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
prayer
Merciful Jesus, Elizabeth recognized you in the faces of those who were poor and sick, and she used her resources to comfort and assist them. May we, like her, commit ourselves to follow you in your compassion for suffering people. Give us the energy to serve those in need and to advocate for the systemic changes that will lessen their suffering. We ask this, as a community called to service. Amen.
november 19
our lady, mother of divine providence
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.
prayer
O God, through their devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence, you extend your loving protection to the people of Puerto Rico. May their devotion strengthen their faith; may their faith sustain their hope in your promises. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Amen.
november 21
presentation of mary
Enter the temple gates, the courtyard with praise; give thanks and bless God’s name.
prayer
We commemorate, O God, the day when Ann and Joachim presented Mary in the temple. We pray for parents who bear the responsibility of incorporating their children into your body the church. May their own faith be strengthened in this process, and may the life of each family reflect your trinitarian love. May Christian homes reveal the unity and peace to which your call us. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
november 22
saint cecilia
I will thank you, O God, for your true friendship. I will sing of how you saved me.
prayer
Creator God, today we celebrate the feast of Saint Cecilia. We thank you for dancers, musicians, painters, sculptors, poets, conductors, composers, actors, dramatists and all who enhance our lives through the arts. Enriched by the sharing of their gifts, may we come to know your creative energy alive within us. Lift up our hearts to you, and we will sing your praises, now and forever. Amen.
november 23
blessed miguel austin pro
If any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.
prayer
O God, Blessed Miguel carried out his priestly ministry in secret, but the zeal of his love for you could not be contained, and he endured martyrdom rather than deprive the Mexican people of the opportunity to know and worship you. May all who suffer persecution for their religious beliefs be strengthened by his example. We ask this through the intercession of all those who have died for the sake of the gospel. Amen.
november 30
saint andrew
Jesus appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message.
prayer
Jesus, you called Andrew to be among the first to proclaim your message and to establish your church. As we celebrate his feast we pray for their successors – the pope, the bishops and the leaders of faith communities. May all be faithful to your gospel, loving in their leadership and courageous in proclaiming the good news. Amen.