All Souls' Day
"The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God." - Wisdom 3:1
November 2 is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, often referred to as All Souls' Day. On this day, we pray for the souls of those who have died and are still in purgatory, being prepared for eternal life in heaven. We believe that we remain connected with members of the Church after death and that we can help those souls in purgatory through our prayers. Praying for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy.
Below you will find some Masses, services, and other commemorations of All Souls' Day. The listings below are in addition to the regular weekend Mass schedule or include celebrations during weekend Masses.
Parish Masses and Services
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland.
Christian Life Center, Frenchville
A Mass of Comfort in memory of deceased loved ones will be held at the Christian Life Center, 444 U.S. Route One in Frenchville, on October 29, at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
Good Shepherd Parish, Saco
Good Shepherd Parish invites people to come together to honor deceased loved ones at all Masses the weekend of November 1 & 2. Prayers will specifically be offered by name for all that have died in the parish over the past year. If you have a loved one who passed away this year whose funeral did not occur within Good Shepherd Parish and you would like their name included in the list and read at the All Souls' Day Masses, please submit their names to the parish office by Friday, October 24. A schedule of Masses can be found here.
Holy Family Parish, Greenville
Envelopes to pray for All Souls will be available in the narthex of Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville, throughout November. Intentions listed on envelopes will be placed by the altar and prayed for on All Souls' Day and throughout the month.
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Portland
A Mass of Remembrance for those who died within the past year will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue in Portland.
Parish of the Holy Savior, Rumford
An All Souls' Day prayer service will be held at St. John's Cemetery on Isthmus Road in Rumford at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
Parish of the Precious Blood, Caribou
Memorial candles in honor of loved ones will be lit and placed on the altar during the November 2, 11 a.m. Mass at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 333 Main Street in Presque Isle. The candles may be ordered rom the parish prior to the Mass.
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town
An evangelization drama, "Back from the Dead" Cemetery Walks, will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Old Town on Sunday, November 2. This engaging and inspiring drama is designed to teach the Catholic faith through a powerful encounter with death, judgment, heaven, and hell, along with reflections on the Communion of Saints, the angels, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. As participants walk through the cemetery by candlelight, a guide will lead them to various stops where saints and martyrs come to life, sharing their stories and spiritual insights. Meet figures such as St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who will speak of “going to the heights for Christ,” and St. Teresa of Ávila, who will recount her visions of hell. Through these encounters, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be alive—both now and in the life to come. Walks will begin every 10 to 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. In case of inclement weather, an indoor presentation will take place at Holy Family Church in Old Town at 7 p.m. Confessions and conversations with a priest will also be available throughout the evening. Reserve free tickets here.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
On Sunday, November 16, each of the parish's churches will offer a special remembrance for those whose funeral Masses were celebrated during the past year. Families are invited to attend as the congregation prays for their loved ones by name during the Prayers of the Faithful.
Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street, Lewiston - 10:30 a.m. Mass honoring those who had funerals at the basilica.
Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street, Lewiston - 8:30 a.m. Mass honoring those who had funerals at Our Lady of the Rosary or Holy Cross Church and at 11 a.m. honoring those who had funerals at Holy Family Church.
Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Avenue, Lisbon Falls - 9:30 a.m. Mass honoring those who had funerals at Holy Trinity.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook
A family-oriented All Souls Day prayer service will be held at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery, 296 Stroudwater Street in Westbrook, on Saturday, November 22, at 1 p.m. The service will include a brief prayer and reflection suitable for all ages, a special remembrance activity for children and families, and quiet time for reflection and prayer.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Camden
In commemoration of All Souls' Day, there will be a gathering following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church, 81 Court Street in Belfast. The gathering will include a display of prayer cards of beloved dead, prayers, and a potluck meal. After the meal, participants wil proceed to Grove Cemetery to pray for the souls in purgatory.
St. Joseph Parish, Bridgton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 857 Main Street, Fryeburg - Prayers will be offered for the deceased of the parish during the Sunday, November 2, 10:30 a.m. Mass
St. Joseph Church, 225 South High Street, Bridgton - Prayers will be offered for the deceased of the parish during the Sunday, November 2, 8:30 a.m. Mass.
St. Matthew Parish, Limerick
The faithful are invited to put the names of deceased loved ones in envelopes. All will be prayed for during a Mass on Saturday, November 1, at 6 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick.
A Mass of Remembrance to prayerfully remember those who have died during the past year will be held at St. Matthew Church on Monday, November 3, at 5 p.m.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
Prayers will be offered for "all souls" during all of the parish's churches on the weekend of November 1 and 2. A schedule of Masses can be found here.
St. Mary Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor - A Mass of Remembrance for deceased parishioners will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, at 9 a.m.
St. John Church, 207 York Street, Bangor - Musica Sacra Requiem in Aeternam, a special concert of sacred music in remembrance of beloved dead, will be offered on Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the choral and instrumental music of Gabriel Fauré: Requiem, Opus 48. The Chamber Choir at St. John Catholic Church will be accompanied by French horn, strings, harp, and reed organ under the direction of Dr. Kevin Birch.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Norway
Our Lady of Ransom Church,117 Elm Street, Mechanic Falls - Prayers will be offered for the deceased of the parish during the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 32 Paris Street, Norway - Prayers will be offered for the deceased of the parish during the Sunday, November 2, 8:30 a.m. Mass.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford
A Mass of Remembrance to prayerfully remember those who have died during the past year will be held at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, on Thursday, November 6, at 6 p.m.
