Crosses for All Souls’ Day

All Souls’ Day at Mater Christi parish in Albany was celebrated using a unique tradition. 

About two years ago, Rev. James Ebert had an idea: As part of the funeral liturgy, family members of the deceased received a wooden cross with their loved one’s name engraved on it, along with the date of their death. The crosses are then hung on a wall in the Church, until the next All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2), when they will be given back to families. 

The crosses are gifted by Mater Christi to any family that has a funeral at the parish within the last year. 

According to Kathleen Naughter, director of parish operations, over 150 people were expected to attend the special liturgy. “People seem to like it — we’ve gotten a lot of good feedback,” Naughter said.