Global churches observe All Saints' Day on Nov 1

The global Christian calendar observes All Saints' Day on Sunday, Nov 1, the day following the secular festivities of Halloween. While Halloween has evolved into a costumed event for children, the subsequent holy day remains a time of remembrance for many faith communities. This observance unites churches worldwide in a shared practice of honoring the departed and the saints.

The date of the celebration varies by denomination. Catholic churches originally established the day to remember all saints in heaven. Protestant churches have since shifted the focus to remembering all individuals who passed away in the previous year. Orthodox Christian churches do not mark the day in November; instead, they celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

Rev. Dr. Hank Malone of St. John's Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City described Halloween as a mockery of the devil. He explained that the night before All Saints' Day allows for a celebration where death loses its power due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Malone stated that the community takes a moment to remember the struggle and the recovery of salvation through faith.

Local congregations in Utah held various events over the weekend. St. John's Lutheran Church hosted a special dinner in Ogden on Saturday afternoon alongside other local groups. First United Methodist Church held a memorial service for a community member on Saturday and will hold another on Sunday. Pastor Kelsie Parrish noted that she will read a list of those the community lost in the past year during the Liturgy of Holy Communion.

Catholic parishes also held specific observances. Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosted a Day of the Dead and All Saints' Dance on Saturday night. The Cathedral of the Madeleine choir will perform works by Tomás Luís de Victoria and Benjamin Britten during its 11 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Parrish emphasized the communal aspect of the holiday, noting that it helps unite the global body of Christ. She explained that churches around the world taking Holy Communion and honoring loved ones simultaneously reinforces their connection to heaven and to those who came before them.

The observance continues on Monday with All Souls' Day. A diocesan-wide Catholic Mass will be held at noon at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Utah. Father Tai Nguyen will preside over the service to commemorate all the faithful departed.