Saints and Souls: Helping Kids Understand Heaven’s Family

As October comes to a close, we move from the joyful bustle of saint feast days to two of the most profound celebrations in our faith: All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In our home, we start to talk about heaven a little more this time of year. Not in a heavy way, but with wonder — the idea that our family in heaven and our family on earth are deeply connected.

We explain to our children that All Saints’ Day is a celebration of everyone in heaven — the famous saints, yes, but also the hidden ones. Maybe even a great-grandparent or a baby we never got to meet. And All Souls’ Day is when we pray for those still on the journey — the souls being purified in God’s love.

One way to make it tangible for kids is to create a “Heaven Wall.” Tape up saint images alongside photos of loved ones who have passed away. Light a candle nearby. It becomes a gentle reminder that we belong to a big, beautiful family that stretches beyond time.

When we visit the cemetery, we bring flowers and say a simple prayer: “Jesus, bring them into your light.” Children understand more than we think — and when they see us praying for the dead, they learn that love never ends.

The Communion of Saints isn’t a doctrine to memorize — it’s a relationship to live. As November approaches, let your family lean into that mystery: the Church on earth, in heaven, and in purgatory, all held together in the love of Christ.

“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” – Hebrews 12:1

May this season remind us that heaven is closer than we imagine — and that we’re never praying alone.