Simple Steps to Helping the Poor and Holy Souls During November
From a Catholic Mom’s Perspective
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
November is the month when the Church invites us to turn our hearts toward those who have gone before us — our loved ones, ancestors, and all who await heaven in the merciful love of God.
As a mom, I find this month to be both spiritually sobering and hope-filled. It reminds me to slow down, pray, and teach my children to live with eternity in mind.
What Is Purgatory?
Purgatory is a state of purification for those who die in God’s grace and friendship but are not yet perfectly purified. They are destined for heaven, but they must first be cleansed of the effects of sin. My daughter once said, “only the perfect should be in heaven or else it just wouldn’t be heaven.” “I don’t want to be there with people who scare me. “
“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but 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.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030
We call these souls holy, because they are destined for heaven, and poor, because they can no longer help themselves. They cannot merit grace or perform acts of love — so they depend on us, the living members of the Body of Christ, to pray for them. They can’t “offer it up” and bring value to suffering like we still can.
As the leaves change and fall, even nature reminds us that death is part of life. November becomes a time to remember, pray, and offer sacrifices for the faithful departed.
“From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them…” — CCC 1032
The Church gives us beautiful, simple ways to help the Poor and Holy Souls — and to teach our children to do the same.
Simple Ways to Help the Poor Souls
1. Add a Short Prayer to Family Life
Tag on this prayer at the end of grace or bedtime:
“May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
A simple daily reminder that our prayers have eternal impact. We say it after we finish our grace every meal and often times it leads to a great discussion about past family members that many of my children have not known such as my grandparents.
2. Visit a Catholic Cemetery
Now that the hoopla of Halloween has passed, visit a cemetery as a family. Let us show our children that cemeteries are a place of rest and prayer. Consider saying a Rosary or this Catholic prayer that brings comfort for all difficult situations:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
**From November 1–8, you can even gain a plenary indulgence by visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead (under the usual conditions). This is a great Catholic tradition and one worth sharing with your children.
3. Have a Catholic Mass Offered for the Dead
Ask your parish office to schedule a Mass for a deceased loved one. It’s one of the greatest gifts we can give — the offering of Christ’s perfect sacrifice for their soul. This is a blessing- out of this world. The parish asks for a very small stipend for such a beautiful request. You can often times pick the date and Mass time and be able to attend as well.
4. Send a Card of Remembrance
Send a Mass card or note to someone grieving a loss. A small gesture of faith can bring deep comfort and remind them of hope in Christ. Explain to them how you are praying for their loved one and how you desire for them to rest in peace and for them to be at peace as well.
5. Offer Acts of Mercy
Offer your Holy Communion, Rosary and daily difficulties for souls in purgatory.
Light a candle at church or home as a sign of prayerful remembrance after Mass.
Teach children that praying for the dead is a work of mercy.
6. Give Alms in Remembrance
Donate to your parish or a Catholic cause in memory of a loved one. Many older churches bear names etched in stained glass or bricks — a reminder that faith and generosity endure beyond this life.
The Sacred Heart Connection
In homes that have been enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, November offers a special opportunity to live this devotion more deeply.
Consider placing photos of your departed loved ones near your image of the Sacred Heart. This creates a sacred space of remembrance — a visual reminder that Jesus reigns not only in our homes, but also in our families across time and eternity.
During the Enthronement ceremony, families proclaim:
“There will be a time when we are separated, but let us always recall this moment when we enthroned Jesus as King of our home.”
That act of love transforms our homes into places of mercy. Each time we pause before the image of the Sacred Heart — surrounded by pictures of those we love — we are reminded that our family in heaven and on earth remains united in the Heart of Jesus.
The Heart of Jesus is where heaven and earth meet. It’s where love never dies.
Bonus Story: A Lesson from My Son
When my son was in elementary school, he struggled to stay focused during family night prayers. One night, I told him he could offer his Rosary for fighter jet pilots from past wars — young men who died suddenly and might need prayers.
That changed everything. His prayer now had purpose, connection, and love.
Sometimes, helping our children connect prayer to real people and stories opens their hearts to mercy.
The Takeaway
Let’s remember the Poor Souls — especially our loved ones — and never let a day pass without offering something for them: a prayer, a sacrifice, or a small act of love.
When we unite our daily struggles to the Heart of Jesus, our crosses gain eternal value — both for us and for the souls we love.
Image: The Sacred Heart surrounded by family photos — symbolizing love that endures beyond death. (Created with the assistance of ChatGPT.)