Christian communities remember the names of their dead. These names are heard in the Prayer of the Faithful during the liturgy and in the chanting of the litany of saints at the Easter Vigil; they are seen on holy cards, memorial cards, and grave markers; and Masses are prayed for the repose of souls.

Especially in the month of November are the dead remembered in prayer. This month is called the Month of All Souls. During this time, many churches have the custom of giving a place of honor to a book in which parishioners write the names of their dead.

This is such a book. It has been carefully prepared--in its dimensions, paper, binding, and art--to be both beautiful and worthy of its task. In most parishes, this one volume will be large enough to receive names over many years.

Consider displaying this book from the solemnity of All Saints up through Advent. Keep the book open for people to inscribe the names of the dearly departed. Place it on a table of proper size and height to make writing easy, and perhaps have a lighted candle nearby (especially during the times of liturgies) and a vase of autumn flowers or foliage. One or two pens should be available on the table.

Some parishes place the Book of the Names of the Dead near the vestibule or gather space. Others display the book near the baptismal font with the lighted Paschal candle standing nearby. Parishioners may also be invited to bring framed pictures of those who have died to be displayed near or around this book.

On the title page there are two thin lines. These may be used to inscribe (perhaps in calligraphy) the name of your parish and the years when this book was used to record names.

There are also lines on the pages themselves on which parishioners may write the names of their loved ones. Beautifully inscribed on these pages are Spanish quotations from the Order of Christian Funerals. These poetic texts may be a source of inspiration and comfort during times of grief.

In addition to this unique book, you will also receive access to a FREE electronic handout that explains the tradition associated with the book, important theological concepts surrounding its use, and other important information.  These reproducible PDF's print on 8 1/2" x 11" paper and can be used as a bulletin insert or as handouts for adult faith formation or catechetical sessions.

Hardcover, 9 x 12, 128 pages

To download your free electronic handout, click here.  Customers please note that this download contains both an English and a Spanish version of this handout.