BARRERA: From Costumes to Saints... Helping youth see heaven

CNS photo​When October rolled around in my childhood home, there was always a tradition that made me smile. My mom would look at me and say, “Put on my favorite scary movie.” She didn’t mean something terrifying. She meant it was time for the Disney Channel classic, “Hocus Pocus.” Halloween in our home was fun and lighthearted. 

My mom loved buying costumes for my siblings and me, not ghouls or goblins, but characters that reflected our interests. Trick-or-treating was my favorite part, not because of the candy, but because of the time spent laughing, walking and making memories with my family.

As a Mexican American family, Día de los Muertos was part of our culture. We built ofrendas — altars decorated with flowers, candles, photos and the favorite foods of loved ones who had passed away. For us, these weren’t strange or scary rituals, but ways of honoring our ancestors, remembering their lives and praying for their souls. 

I felt caught in between worlds. Halloween wasn’t embraced by everyone, and Día de los Muertos was often misunderstood. Yet over time, I came to realize that these cultural practices, when lived through the lens of faith, are deeply in harmony with Catholic teaching. They remind us of what the Church proclaims each Nov. 1 and 2 on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, that we are called to sainthood and that we must remember and pray for the faithfully departed. 

Memento Mori: Remembering our purpose
The ancient phrase Memento Mori — “remember that you must die” —might sound unsettling, but it’s a gift. It’s not about being haunted by fear of death. It means we live with purpose, preparing our hearts for heaven and keeping our eyes on the eternal life God has promised us.
As parents and grandparents, October gives you a chance to pass this wisdom on. Youth naturally ask big questions about life and death. Instead of avoiding them, we can show that remembering death is really about remembering life — eternal life with Christ. 

Preparing for heaven with youth
Helping youth understand life and death through faith is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Preparing for heaven isn’t just about waiting until the end of life — it’s about shaping every day in love. It is about teaching them that sainthood is not for the few, but for us all.
We prepare by following Christ, practicing the virtues and carrying out works of mercy. We prepare by telling the stories of saints and of family members who lived their faith well. We prepare by remembering that death is not the end, but the doorway to everlasting life with God. 

Becoming saints together
October may bring pumpkins and costumes, but for Catholic families, it’s also a sacred invitation to reflect on life, death and eternity. Memento Mori reminds us that our days are precious, Día de Los Muertos teaches us to pray for those who came before us, and the feasts of All Saints and All Souls invite us to long for heaven.
As parents and grandparents, our mission is to pass on the light of Christ. Every act of love, every prayer, every good work helps prepare us — and the young people we guide — for sainthood. Youth need to know: Death isn’t the last word — Christ is.

Four Practical ways to live the Gospel this October
Here are some practices you can share with your youth or family this season, blending in faith, culture and the joy of the Gospel:

1. Build a Family “Ofrenda of Saints and Loved Ones”
Set up a table with pictures of family members who have died, alongside images of saints. Light candles, place flowers and pray together for their souls. 

2. Practice Memento Mori at Home
Add a simple cross, skull symbol, or candle to your prayer space as a daily reminder to live well, love well and prepare our hearts for heaven.

3. Celebrate All Saints’ Day
Encourage youth to dress up as saints and learn about their lives. Share stories of courage, holiness and joy that make sainthood feel attainable.

4. Choose a Work of Mercy
Do one Corporal/Spiritual Work of Mercy as a family and connect it to heaven.

Ruth Barrera is the coordinator of Youth Ministry at Christ the Good Shepherd.