On Tuesday of this last week we kept, as usual, the Solemnity of All Souls' with three Requiem Masses. Some years ago we introduced the use of a Parish Chantry Book to facilitate the remembrance of names of departed loved ones, partners, family, friends and those whose love and prayers have aided us in our Christian pilgrimage on the anniversaries of their death. It always strikes me as particularly moving to hear names that are so familiar to us and to pray for the repose of their souls. There are also names that are much less familiar- Parishioners and Benefactors who gave so much of themselves to St Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood, from the foundation of the Parish in the early twentieth century- but it is just as important to remember them in our prayers also. It is always one of the more pastorally caring elements in Anglo-Catholic practice that prayers are offered on behalf of the Church 'at rest' as well as for those with whom we live and work and 'see' today. It is our hope and intention that the Parish Chantry Book (which is kept by the Parish Secretary in the Office) will always be utilized in the future-even many decades from now-for it is an expression of the 'communion of saints' that brings hope to the Parish, the Diocese, the Anglican Communion and the Church Universal.

The general 'rule of thumb' for including names in the Chantry Book is that the individual should have been a Parishioner, Benefactor, an immediate family member, a partner or an individual for whom the Church should offer thanksgiving. We almost always use the full name of the individual (initials may make sense to us now but in the future initials may be confusing) and we also need the date of death of the person concerned. If you would like names added to the Parish Chantry Book please email them to the Office and we will try to add them in the weeks and months ahead.

(A Collect for the Faithful Departed)

Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, lover of souls
Thou upholdeth us in life and sustaineth us in death:
to Thee be glory and praise for ever!
For the darkness of this age is passing away
as Christ the bright and morning star
brings to his holy saints the light of life.
As Thou giveth light to those in darkness
who walk in the shadow of death
so remember in Thy kingdom Thy faithful servants
that death may be for them the gate to life
and to unending fellowship with Thee;
where with Thy saints Thou liveth and reigneth
one in the perfect union of love
now and for ever. Amen.