Days of Remembrance
All Saints’ Day is one of the seven principal feasts of the Church year, a day when we remember the saints, known and unknown—ordinary people whose lives reflected an extraordinary commitment to following the way of Jesus.
All Souls’, or the Feast of All Faithful Departed, extends that remembrance as we hold close the family members, friends, and loved ones who have died. Together, these sacred days invite us to give thanks for those who have gone before us, to make space for grief, and to remember the promise that, in Christ, we remain part of one communion of saints.
This year, there are several ways for you and your family to observe these feast days with St. Stephen’s through worship, prayer, and remembrance.
During all of our worship services, we will name in prayer those who have died or been buried from St. Stephen’s Church since All Saints’ Day 2025, those buried in our St. Francis Memorial Garden, and loved ones whose names have been shared by friends and members of our parish.
To add your loved one’s name to the list of remembrance for worship, contact Minister for Community Engagement Molly Reichard at mreichard@ststephens.com.
ALL SAINTS’ DAY
Sunday, November 1
8:00 & 10:15 AM // Worship
During our regular Sunday worship, we will observe All Saints’ Day, celebrating the communion of saints and remembering those who have died. As part of our prayers, we will name those who have been buried from St. Stephen’s since All Saints’ Day last year.
PRAYERS FOR ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Monday, November 2
12:00 PM // Prayers in the St. Francis Memorial Garden
We invite you to an intimate spoken prayer service in the St. Francis Memorial Garden. Together, we will remember by name all those whose remains are interred in the Memorial Garden and offer prayers of remembrance and hope. This service will be held outdoors, so please dress accordingly. In the case of inclement weather, worship will move to the Nave.
6:30-8:00 PM // Light the Night on the Parish Ground
7:00 PM // Prayers for All Faithful Departed in the Nave
As evening falls, the parish grounds will glow with paper luminaries, each a symbol of love and remembrance. Before, during, and after 7:00 PM worship, you are invited to walk among the lights, offer prayers, and remember the saints and loved ones who continue to shape our lives. See below for information on creating your own luminary.
At 7:00 PM, we will gather in the Nave for a service of prayer and music honoring the Feast of All Faithful Departed. This sacred time of peaceful reflection and holy grieving offers space to remember family and friends who have gone before us.
CREATE A LIGHT IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE
You are invited to create a luminary in memory of a family member, friend, or other loved one. Decorated luminaries will become part of Light the Night on November 2.
Pick up a luminary bag: White paper bags will be available in the Narthex and Commons Room. Decorate yours at home and return it to the church by the designated deadline. Please have your decorated bags to us by Sunday, October 25th.
Decorate with us: Join us during Coffee & Connection on Sunday, October 18 for an opportunity to create a luminary bag.
Let us create one for you: If you are unable to decorate a bag yourself, Share a Luminary Request with us. Use the button below to share the name of the person you would like remembered through our online form, and we will prepare a luminary on your behalf.
