Who: Bishop Gregory Parkes, local clergy, more than 500 faithful participants

What: Outdoor Mass in observance of All Souls’ Day

Where:  Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Avenue N. Clearwater

When: Thursday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Catholics around the world take part in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), a time to pause, reflect and pray for our dearly departed during a special Mass dedicated to all souls. While we are called to pray often for those who have passed on and every Mass includes such prayers, this special day is the beginning of a month-long period of reflection.

The media is invited to cover this Mass around an outdoor altar as Bishop Parkes and some of the priests of the Diocese of St. Petersburg celebrates Mass on All Soul’s Day.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ample shade-covered seating is provided. Some participants bring folding chairs or a blanket and sit beneath the majestic trees of the cemetery.

While many of the faithful pray often for departed family members and friends, this day was earmarked by the Church as a special day of remembrance.

The Catholic Church believes the bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Since 1960, Calvary Cemetery has provided holy and sacred burial grounds for the Tampa Bay area with strong roots centered in the Catholic belief.

Calvary’s in-ground and entombment facilities are nestled in a tranquil setting surrounded by the beauty of God’s natural creation. Being Catholic is not a requirement for burial at Calvary Cemetery. In keeping with the spirit of Catholicism our doors and services at Calvary Cemetery are open to a variety of faith traditions.

For more information, contact Terry Young, Director of Calvary Cemetery, 727-572-4355.