Praying for the Dead is mentioned in 2 Maccabees 12: 43-46.  The belief is that if the dead were in hell, no prayers would help them, and if they were in heaven, they wouldn’t need any prayers.   (Rev. John Trigilio Jr., Ph.D., ThD,  and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, Ph.D., Catholicism for Dummies, p. 290.)

So, God in his mercy prepares those who have died to be welcomed into his presence in heaven, through a process of purification called,  in Catholic Tradition, purgatory.

Please join us in praying for those who have died… it is a way of ministering to others that we can do while we are staying close to home.

Other opportunities here at Nativity include:

Book of Life

The Book of Revelation speaks of a Book of Life where the names of all those who have been saved are inscribed. Mindful of this we invite you to inscribe the names of your loved ones who have died in our parish Book of Life. It lifts these names up in prayer during the month of November. The book can be found by the ambry near the baptismal font.

There will be a basket of cleaned pens for you to sign the book or you are welcome to use your own pen.

Evening of Remembrance

Join us on Monday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m. in remembering those who have died this past year. We will remember them by praying for them, calling them by name, and lighting a candle. Anyone who has had a family member, relative, or friend die this past year is invited to attend. We are strongly encouraging all to wear a face covering and to observe social distancing. Any questions please call Sr. Sharon at 701-232-2414 ext. 126.

Please join us with these suggested prayers or other prayers of your own.

Some Suggested Prayers for the Dead

Some suggested Prayers for the Dead and lines or phrases that emphasize praying for the dead:

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.    

Divine Mercy Chaplet

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Fatima Prayer:

Oh My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.

More prayers:       

For the Poor Souls:

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

O gently Heart of Jesus, ever-present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them.

Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Blood fall upon the devouring flames.

And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Amen.

The greatest prayer of all

The Eucharistic Liturgy, the Mass.

Preparing for Liturgy at Nativity:

A Reminder From Fr. Bill

*I appreciate the efforts of our Nativity community to wear masks, as this is a sign of charity: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated: “a cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.” The Knowledge that all are wearing masks may help some to overcome their fears and return to Mass, especially given the recent rise of the risk level from yellow to orange for our county.

*Please wash your hands before leaving home, or here at Nativity after you arrive, or both.

*Bring along your own hand sanitizer to use before and after communion.

We will be having RCIA Class beginning Sunday, September 27 at 9:00 am in the Nazareth Room. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming Catholic and would like to join the class, please contact Chris Steffan at 232-2414 x 127 or chriss@nativitycatholicchurch.net.  We will be observing current safety precautions during classes.

RCIA Classes for Youth age 12 and older

RCIA classes for Youth will begin Wednesday, September 30 at 5:30 pm. Classes will be followed by attending Faith Formation Classes  (appropriate age level). Please contact Chris Steffan if your older child needs the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist as well as Reconciliation.  Phone Chris at 232-2414 x 127 or email at Chriss@nativitycatholicchurch.net.