You don't understand catholicspeak, they aren't dead.
First, God is the God of the living. As Matthew 22:32 says: “ ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.’” Our souls never die or “sleep” but after death we are judged. Those that enter Heaven live in joy forever. These are saints. Also, when Moses and Elijah appeared at Jesus’ transfiguration, were they not alive in God or where those simply manifestations that Jesus called forth? It’s clear they were alive.
After a whole chapter describing the ancient people of faith in Hebrews 11, Hebrews 12:1 goes on to say, “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...” What possible interpretation can anyone give but that those who have died are aware of us and are watching us? The saints in Heaven continuously intercede for mankind (CCC 956).