Bishop Joseph Strickland published a letter on his blog on Nov. 27 addressing his removal as Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler and urging the congregation to remain faithful. 

A Christian festival will be held Sunday in the downtown Tyler square.

In the days before Hallowtide, the three days that begin with All Hallows Eve on Oct. 31, Christian church communities will come together to pray and offer entertainment to the greater Tyler area.

The Catholic Bishop of Tyler, Joseph E. Strickland, together with other area pastors and community faith leaders will lead prayer, worship and talks to promote the Christian origins of Halloween.

There will be food trucks, arts and crafts, performances by dance groups and Christian bands and choirs.

The Festival of All Saints was inspired by Bishop Strickland as a means to bring together the entire Christian community to promote the Christian meaning behind Halloween. The Bishop hopes this event can be conducted annually on the square to bring all people of the Christian faith together to worship, pray and share community.

The Festival of All Saints will be held from noon to 6:30 p.m. in the downtown square.

Here is the full schedule:

Noon – Festival opens. Welcome and remarks from Strickland, along with other area Christian church leaders. National Anthem and music.

1 p.m. – Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church will lead prayer service

2 p.m. – Reformation House of Prayer will lead praise and worship

3 p.m. – Alliance of the Two Hearts Prayer Service for the Hour of Divine Mercy

4 p.m. – Cathedral Prayer in the square; community will lead a Litany of Saints

5 p.m. – Woodland Heights Baptist Church – Pastor Kenny Cargill – Working Together as a Body of Christ

6:30 p.m.  Event concludes

Throughout the afternoon there will be games, cake walks, Christian art, photo booths and food trucks available for entertainment.