7 Simple Ways to Help the Souls in Purgatory

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Kathie Scott-Avery shares a few ways to help the faithful departed.

Our priest once related that when his mother was nearing death, she realized he may, in grief, magnify her finer points while dismissing her less-than-ideal characteristics. She warned him not to canonize her in his eulogy. Instead, she insisted that everyone be urged to pray for her and thus minimize time spent in Purgatory. 

The Church’s Calling 

While I doubt my children will mistakenly believe I’ve been ushered straight into Heaven when I leave this world, I’m not as confident all will realize the critical role they can play in facilitating that outcome.  

However, the Church in her wisdom has a month set aside to cultivate such a habit in all her children: November. 

From the very first day of the month, the solemnity of All Saints Day, a hopeful tone is set. First, it reminds us to be ever-aware of our desired eternal destination. Second, it sheds reassuring light on the fact that no matter what our situation or need, there’s a saint for that: one who persevered in the Faith and understands our particular challenge or vocation. We are never alone in our pursuit of holiness. The Church Triumphant, all saints known and unknown, are cheering us on, willing to intercede on our behalf, and rejoicing in our every step toward Heaven. 

Twenty-four hours later, All Souls Day begins the Church’s annual concentration on the holy souls in Purgatory. As we, the Church Militant, are encouraged to increase our prayers and sacrifices for departed family and friends as well as all the Church Suffering, what a comfort to know this is a priority of our Faith. 

November is an invitation to begin or renew a charitable action plan to help the faithful departed. Following are some practices to consider. 

Three November Remembrances: 

Day’s Offering

For November, I keep a separate blank calendar page to fill in each day with the name of particular deceased family member, friend, or acquaintance. On that day, all my prayers and sacrifices are offered for that person. 

Scheduling Masses

This is also the time when I review any offered Masses and see if anyone has been overlooked. If so, I schedule theirs. 

Novena/Devotions

Our parish usually has at least one novena for the holy souls during November. In addition, Pray More Novenas offers one and will email a reminder with the prayers each day to anyone who signs up to participate.  

Four Year-round Practices: 

Instill a family habit 

Most of my kids are grown and living elsewhere, so I send out a text message on birth dates and death anniversaries of loved ones who have passed, requesting that all pause to pray for the deceased person’s soul. As I became more aware of the heartbreaking probability of so many forgotten souls, my periodic nudges extended beyond our own circle to include a plea to pray for the souls of all who look forward to Heaven, especially those who may not have anyone praying for them. 

Add-on to mealtime prayer

Before each meal, we now add this simple prayer after saying Grace: “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” 

Add-on to after-Mass prayers

This Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls in Purgatory has become a staple. “Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.” 

Daily Devotional 

At a friend’s recommendation, I began using a book of short daily reflections about and prayers for the souls in Purgatory. Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, 365 Reflections, is written by Susan Tassone, a woman dedicated to helping Catholics increase their practice of praying for the faithful departed. 

As long as we live, we may never realize the value of our prayers for those who have passed. Yet when it is our turn to leave this world, may we — if in Purgatory — be comforted by theirs and other’s prayers. And, upon our entrance into Heaven, may we be greeted by family and friends (including new ones!) in a joyful reunion that was hastened by our small acts of charity here on earth. 

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Copyright 2025 Kathie Scott-Avery
Images: Canva