The Church teaches us that, when we die, most of us are in need of some process of purification. This process has traditionally been called "Purgatory". Some spiritual writers in the past described "Purgatory" in vivid details. Yet the official teaching of the Church is very circumspect and, beyond speaking of some sort of purifying process, does not speculate as to its nature. It is not helpful then to think of "Purgatory" as a place, rather a process of purification, where the benevolent God responds to the prayers of many to receive all his beloved children into his heavenly banquet.

On this day we remember our dear departed members. Death is painful and can awaken feelings that are powerful, changing and compelling. The experience of death can be terrible, enveloping the person to imagine the after life, the longing to be with the other and to enter into a new experience. On this day we are faced with the mystery of death and we are reminded of the promise of resurrection and eternal life. So we believe that God will bring with Jesus to himself, all those who have died believing in him. When the body is buried it is mortal and when raised it will be immortal, a spiritual body.