What are All Souls and All Saints Days?

What are All Souls and All Saints Days?

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are two back-to-back Catholic celebrations in early November that honor all members of the Church in heaven, purgatory, and on earth.

  • When you hear the word “saint,” what do you think of? Who is a saint you know or have heard about?
  • What do you think makes someone a saint? Do you think saints were perfect people? Why or why not?
  • Is there a saint whose life or story inspires you? What do you admire about them?
  • All Souls’ Day is a time when we remember and pray for people who have died. Who is someone you love or remember that you would like our family to pray for?
  • How can our family honor the saints and remember our loved ones—not just on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, but throughout the year?

All Saints Day Prayer


Bless the many parted souls

who lived their lives with grace.

Bless the saints in heaven,

gathered in that special place.


May we tell their stories

and remember all the ways

they lived their faith

and spent their days.


There is glory and reward,

even if at first there’s strife.

Oh, blessed saints, you help us see

a path that’s to eternal life.


May we always hold them dear

and know their life and place.

May we know their inspiration

and aspire to their grace.

  • All SAINTS DAY PARTY FOR CHILDREN/FAMILY ~ CATHOLIC MOM
  • Create a Family “Saint Gallery”: Have each family member choose a saint they admire. Draw a picture, print a photo, or make a small “saint card” that includes: the saint’s name, something they are known for, one quality you admire about them, and one way you can try to imitate that quality.
  • Make a Family Prayer Memorial: Create a special space in your home with a candle, cross, and photographs or names of family members and friends who have died. On All Souls’ Day, gather together and pray for them. Younger children can decorate the space or make cards for those they remember. You could begin with: “God, we thank you for the gift of these people and ask you to welcome them into your loving presence.”
  • Have a “Saints & Souls” Family Dinner: Turn dinner into a celebration! Choose a saint and learn one fun fact about them while eating. You could even serve a food connected to that saint or their country. After dinner, go around the table and have everyone share: One thing they learned about a saint, one person they are grateful to remember, and one thing they want to pray for.
  • Start a Family “Heavenly Heroes” Prayer Jar: Decorate a jar and label it “Our Heavenly Heroes.” Throughout the year, family members can add the names of saints they discover, people they want to remember, or prayer intentions for loved ones who have died. On All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day each year, pull out the names and spend some time praying together.