All Hallows’ Tide: Honoring the Communion of Saints in Montessori Ways

As October draws to a close and the excitement of costumes and candy fills the air, it’s easy to focus solely on Halloween festivities. But for Catholic families — and especially within a Montessori environment — this time of year offers something deeper, richer, and profoundly meaningful: All Hallows’ Tide, a three-day celebration dedicated to remembering the saints, honoring the faithful departed, and reflecting on our eternal hope in Christ.

What Is All Hallows’ Tide?

All Hallows’ Tide is the name given to the triduum of holy days spanning from October 31 to November 2:

• All Hallows’ Eve (October 31): The vigil before the feast of All Saints — a time to prepare our hearts and remember that holiness is our calling too.

• All Saints’ Day (November 1): A solemn holy day honoring all saints — known and unknown — who now share in God’s glory.

• All Souls’ Day (November 2): A day of prayer for all the faithful departed, especially those still on their journey toward heaven.

Together, these three days remind us of the Communion of Saints — the beautiful belief that the Church is one family united across heaven, earth, and purgatory. It’s a celebration of life, death, and resurrection — and a teaching moment full of grace for our children.

Traditions and Their Meanings

Families and communities around the world celebrate All Hallows’ Tide in unique ways. Here are some beloved Catholic traditions and their spiritual significance:

• Attending Mass: Celebrating Mass on All Saints’ Day (a holy day of obligation) and All Souls’ Day is a way to unite our prayers with the Church throughout the world.

• Visiting Cemeteries: A centuries-old tradition is to visit graves, decorate them with flowers, and pray for the souls of loved ones.

• Litany of the Saints: Reciting or singing the litany reminds us of the holy men and women who have gone before us and continue to intercede for us.

• Creating a Home Altar: Many families set up a small table with saint images, candles, and names of deceased loved ones as a visible sign of remembrance.

• Sharing Saint Stories: Reading about the lives of saints inspires children and connects them to the great “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us.

Montessori Ways to Celebrate All Hallows’ Tide with Children

The Montessori approach to faith formation is deeply rooted in hands-on learning, reverence, and joyful discovery. All Hallows’ Tide offers many opportunities to bring this sacred season to life in meaningful, child-centered ways:

1. Create a Saints Research Project

Invite children to choose a saint to learn about — perhaps one who shares their name or patronage. They can make a booklet with drawings, key facts, quotes, and a simple prayer. This self-directed work fosters ownership and connection.

2. Make a Communion of Saints Display

Provide materials for children to make saint cards or small figurines representing saints from around the world. Display them in the classroom or home prayer space as a visual reminder of the universality of the Church.

3. Prayer Work for All Souls

Set up a prayer table with a book where children can write the names of loved ones who have died. Each day during All Hallows’ Tide, gather to pray for those souls, modeling love, memory, and hope.

4. Art and Reflection

Encourage children to draw or paint scenes of heaven, saints, or resurrection life. In true Montessori fashion, this artistic expression allows for contemplation and internalization of the mystery of eternal life.

5. Celebrate with a “Saint Parade”

Instead of (or in addition to) Halloween costumes, organize a simple saint parade. Children can dress as their favorite saints and share a brief introduction about their life and virtue — joyful, educational, and faith-filled.

A Time to Remember and Rejoice

All Hallows’ Tide beautifully blends memory and mission — remembering those who have gone before us and embracing our own call to holiness. By celebrating this sacred season in our homes and classrooms, we give children more than traditions: we offer them a deeper understanding of faith, community, and the eternal love of God.

As Dr. Maria Montessori wrote, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” By inviting them into the mysteries of All Hallows’ Tide, we nurture that hope and strengthen that promise — forming hearts and minds that know they are part of something far bigger, older, and holier than themselves.