PARTNERS

For many Catholics, deacons are a bit of a mystery. Parishioners may see us assisting with Mass on Sundays, teaching RCIA classes or visiting the infirm, but they may not be sure exactly who we are or what we do.

If you asked me 20 years ago what I’d be doing now, the last answer I would have given is cemetery manager. But that’s exactly where I find myself today.

With Christmas almost upon us, we have the opportunity to reflect on the joy of Christ’s birth and what it means to us as Catholics.

When you think of great partnerships throughout history, there’s a good chance they have these qualities in common: effective communication, complementary skills and, perhaps most significantly, trust.

When I was in college, I met a young Catholic woman. Going to Mass became a way to spend another hour with her, so I gladly went. After a few Sundays, though, attending Mass became more than just an opportunity to see my girlfriend.

On a recent pilgrimage with about 30 students to San Xavier Del Bac Mission near Tucson, one of the students remarked “being here on a pilgrimage gives me a new sense of this place.”

The death of a loved one can be a traumatic experience for many of us. As a Catholic priest, I often meet with families who don’t practice their faith on a regular basis.

When I first joined the staff at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery more than five years ago, I was intrigued by the rich history of this beautiful location. It’s nearly 120 years old and serves as the final resting place for almost 54 thousand of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s the equivalent of six or seven generations of faithful families.

At Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes, we strive to be a calming source for families during one of the most difficult times they will endure. It is our privilege to provide this ministry to those who walk through our doors and share with them the same care and compassion Christ has for us all.

Memorial Day is soon upon us. During this time of honoring those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, it’s natural for our thoughts to turn to those loved ones we have lost.