Mission Statement

Called to collaborative ministry in virtue of Holy Baptism, the people of God in Saint Michael Catholic Community continue the healing presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the communities of the North Valleys by celebrating and sharing the Divine Will with all peoples.

Pastor Notes…

The Catholic Church teaches that praying for the dead is an act of love and mercy, helping souls in purgatory to be purified and enter heaven.

Purpose of Praying for the Dead

Catholics believe that not everyone dies in a state of perfect holiness. Those who die in God’s grace but still imperfectly purified undergo a process called purgatory, where their souls are cleansed of remaining faults and temporal punishment due to sin (CCC 1030-1031). Prayers, Masses, and good works offered by the living can assist these souls in their purification, though they do not change God’s ultimate judgment (CCC 1032, 1475). This practice reflects the Church’s understanding of the Communion of Saints, uniting the living, the saints in heaven, and the souls being purified in Christ’s love (CCC 946–962).

Scriptural and Traditional Basis

The practice of praying for the dead has biblical roots. In 2 Maccabees 12:44–46, Judas Maccabeus and his soldiers prayed for fallen comrades so that they might be delivered from sin. St. Paul also describes a testing by fire of each person’s work in 1 Corinthians 3:13–15, symbolizing purification. Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:32 suggest that some sins may be forgiven in the age to come, implying an intermediate state of purification. Church Fathers, including St. Augustine and St. Ambrose, affirmed the value of intercessory prayers for the deceased.

How Catholics Pray for the Dead

Catholics may pray for deceased loved ones using specific prayers, Masses, or acts of charity. Common expressions include: “May God have mercy on the soul of [name] and grant them eternal rest.” These prayers are offered with trust in God’s justice and mercy, acknowledging that the soul may be in purgatory or heaven. The Church also encourages remembrance on All Souls’ Day (November 2) and throughout the year, emphasizing solidarity with the departed.

Intercession and Communion of Saints

The Church teaches that the faithful on earth can ask for intercession from saints in heaven and, with caution, from deceased members of the body of Christ who may be in purgatory. This reflects the belief that all members of the Church, living and dead, are connected and can influence one another in God’s providence.

Summary

Praying for the dead is a longstanding Catholic practice rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the Church’s understanding of purgatory. It is an act of love, solidarity, and mercy, helping souls complete their purification and enter the fullness of God’s presence, while also expressing hope and trust in God’s justice and mercy for all the faithful departed.

From EWTN

Here At Saint Michael…

The Annual Martha and Mary’s Bazaar: The annual Marthas & Marys Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale will be held on December 5 ^th & 6 ^th, 2026 in Father Wright Hall. They welcome donations of Christmas craft items and gently used Christmas treasures. No clothing please. Please drop off donations in the designated drop off location in Father Wright Hall before December 4 ^th. Baked goodies can be dropped off beginning Friday, December 4 ^th or during the bazaar. Please call Kathy on 775-224-8020 for more information.

The Committee of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Will have a meeting on Sunday November 8 ^th, 2026; at 1:00pm to talk about the celebration Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 ^th, 2026

CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL (CSA) YEAR END RAFFLE

Thank you to all for your early and continued support for the 2026 CSA St. Michael effort. All those who made, increased and completed a pledge of $175.00 or more will be automatically entered into a raffle for a $200.00 Peppermill Gift Card prize. Anyone who has made, increased and completed a pledge of $1 to $174.00 will be automatically entered into a raffle for a $100.00 cash prize. There is still time to increase or complete a pledge and finish payment. All money must be collected or given to Betty by Tuesday Dec. 1,2026 1:30 pm. Prize winners will be announced at the Martha & Mary Christmas Bazaar Sunday afternoon. Donations and pledge cards can be given to Betty, placed in the weekly basket or can also be completed online at https://catholicreno.org/catholic-services-appeal-2026 – be sure to select St. Michael (debit/credit cards are accepted).

…From the Parish Bulletin November 8, 2026