In the Catholic Church, the month of November is dedicated to praying for and “relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory”—also called the Church Suffering. Those in heaven are the Church Triumphant, and we here on earth are the Church Militant. In an Ascension video, Father Mike Schmitz says this about the Church Militant, “The Church on earth is the Church in action, the Church that’s doing something for the kingdom of God. Not just for the kingdom of God that we see on this earth but also for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in purgatory.”
The key words there are “doing something.” We are all called to pray and sacrifice for the souls in purgatory. To reach heaven, they need our prayers and the sufferings we offer up, as they cannot pray for themselves. These are truly great gifts that we can give them. But it’s not only our sufferings that we can offer up. We can also offer up our time given to someone else in service. As Catholic author Matthew Plese wrote, “We can offer up everything—our prayers, our sufferings, our good works, our disappointments, our joys, and our entire lives.”
So throughout November, we challenge you to focus on the souls in purgatory and to take action to help get them to heaven. While you can and should pray for them and offer up any sufferings you endure, we encourage you to also do good works. Participate in activities outside of your normal routine that involve doing good for others and offer up those actions as well.
To that end, the five suggestions below will help you get started as you look for ways to help build a culture of life while fighting for the Church Suffering.
1. Volunteer at or donate to a pregnancy resource center.
In Galatians, we read, “So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.” As pro-life people, we are often accused of not caring about the moms and only caring about the babies. We know this could not be further from the truth, and the existence of nearly three thousand pregnancy resource centers in our country proves this. But that also means there’s great opportunity to support them. Be generous with your time or money to benefit the moms and babies who utilize these centers. Whether it’s volunteering, buying diapers or clothing, or giving a monetary donation, offer this act of service for a soul in purgatory.
2. Visit someone who is homebound.
In Hebrews, we read, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” The greatest gift we can give someone is our time, but we are often loath to give it. We make justifications, saying we just don’t have it to give, we have “more important” things to do, or we simply don’t want to. Time is not something we should be stingy with. Time is valuable, and it should be given with great love. Think about the people in your neighborhood, in your parish, or even at work. Do you know someone who is sick, elderly, or even simply without a car who needs company? Make a plan and set a date (or two or three) to simply sit and spend time with that person.
3. Make a meal for someone.
In 1 John, we read, “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” Taking the time to make a meal for someone who needs it is an immense gift that shows not only your love but the love of God. It may be a family whose child is sick in the hospital, a widow or widower who struggles with cooking for one, a friend who has broken a bone and is bedridden, or a family who has lost a loved one. Determine their favorite foods (and any food allergies) and then set a date to take them a meal or two to alleviate the burden they are facing.
4. Help a single parent.
In the book of Proverbs, we read, “Those who shut their ears to the cry of the poor will themselves call out and not be answered.” Single parents often have it hard. Balancing work, children, and day-to-day life can be very stressful. They often need help with things both large and small, from minor house or car repairs to transportation help to daycare to lawn work to financial assistance. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but when we listen to the cries of the poor and pay attention to the needs of those around us, we tell them that they are valuable and worthy of our love and attention. And better yet, we glorify God.
5. Advocate for the vulnerable.
In the book of Proverbs, we read, “Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!” We are all charged with protecting and defending the preborn baby, the sick, the poor, those with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone who needs our help. Give them a voice and speak out in their defense. Post some facts on social media. Run a 5K in support of an advocacy group. Educate your family and your friends with factual material about the sanctity of life. Never be afraid to stand up and proclaim that we are all beloved children of God.
November is the perfect time to give of yourself to others, especially as the holidays draw near. Helping people feel valued and respected is a crucial part of being a pro-life people. So make your voice heard, give your time, talents, and treasures, and tell God that you are offering these things for a soul in purgatory. Hopefully someday you will meet the person or people you helped reach heaven, and what a glorious day that will be!
This article was first printed in Catholic World Report.
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