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Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Home Publications Word of the Lord Year B ALL SAINTS

ALL SAINTS

Friday 1 November

All Saints' Day may be celebrated on the First Sunday of the Kingdom.

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ALL SAINTS (Word)

From its earliest days, the Church has recognised as its foundation stones those heroes of the faith whose lives have excited others to holiness and have assumed a communion with the Church on earth and the Church in heaven.
Celebrating the feast of All Saints’ began in the fourth century. At first, it was observed on the Sunday after the feast of Pentecost; this was to link the disciples who received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the ‘foundation of the Church, with those who were martyrs, giving their lives as witnesses for the faith. In the eighth century, a pope dedicated a chapel to All Saints in St Peter’s at Rome on 1st November. Within a century, this day was observed in England and Ireland as All Saints’ Day.

Hagiography from Exciting Holiness by Brother Tristam SSF

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