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Next time you're in church, bring an offering (ofrenda) to add to the Día de los Muertos altar. Ofrendas are offerings that honor the deceased. Ofrendas can be photos of loved ones, items that remind you of them, or items that they enjoyed. According to Michelle Herrera, who leads the Día de los Muertos ministry at St. Paul's, the offerings on the altar "remind us of our loved ones and remind us, too, of death."

So far, this year's altar holds images of people, animals and plants, as well as candy, rosaries, trinkets and a can of beer.

What other ofrendas will arrive?

You will also see skeletons and skulls on the altar. These as well as the offerings, are a vibrant celebration of both death and life. The altar reminds us that we can call the dead near through prayer and conversation and, in these ways, they remain alive in our hearts and in our community.

Abelardo B. Delgado in the poem "Día de los Muertos" writes, "Talking with the dead is necessary/to remind ourselves/to enjoy our lives/and not to go about/as if we already died/and no one said good-bye or cried."

El Día de los Muertos is celebrated November 1 and November 2. Bring your ofrendas in anytime. There is room for all and all are welcome.

You may see marigolds on or near the altar, too. The bright, strong flowers with a distinctive fragrance are thought to attract the souls of the dead to their ofrendas.

Thank you, Michelle, for your ministry that allows us to embrace sorrow and celebration and to share love.