From Halloween Candy to Remembering Saints Who’ve Gone Before Us

What a difference 24 hours can make. Tonight, we’d intended to answer the door and greet youngsters dressed up in awesome or scary costumes. Outdoors activities moved indoors thanks to the rains that fell. Fortunately for the children, volunteers worked the booths tonight at Fall Fests hosted by churches. Across the Brazos Valley, many children found ways to celebrate Halloween, safe, but not completely dry.

Do you remember what your favorite costume was when you were a kid? I was always happy to dress up, and we had neighbors and friends who went out of their way to make homemade treats that we looked forward to having each year. They were, of course, our favorite neighbors. Until I was an adult, I never even knew what All Hallows’ Eve was, or meant, or actually “the night before All Saints’ Day.”

I went to the History Channel to learn more and learned that back in the 8^th century, Pope Gregory III set November 1 “as a time to honor all saints” and there was an ancient Celtic festival on October 31 that involved costumes, treats, and pumpkin carvings.

In the years I’ve been familiar with All Saint’s Day, technically it is Nov. 1, but in our churches across the city, it’s typically the first Sunday of November where we honor those who’ve passed away since our preceding first Sunday of November the prior year.

Names are read aloud, and handbell choirs ring out tones amidst the silence in which we remember our friends and loved ones who once worshiped among us. It’s a profound experience as we reflect on people we were always used to seeing, no longer there.

As we will be hearing the names read aloud on Sunday, November 4^th this year, I know there are many who’ve been an anchor in my life. Their life and legacy will be remembered forever as they impacted me. I imagine you feel the same way.

In the past year, our family has been honored to serve your families, so I’ve prepared our list of your saints now at peaceful rest.

The link to their life tribute, online at Callaway-Jones.com, is embedded in each name, so just click on their name and perhaps, while you’re there, leave a comment.