To perform the Corporal Work of Mercy of burying the dead and to care for their resting places; to preserve, promote and protect the Church’s teachings on death and resurrection; and to console the bereaved.

REFLECTIONS ON A Journey of Faith by Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley, D.D.

few months ago, I had the privi- A lege of accompanying my oldest While the reality of our mortal nature sister, Sister Roberta Bradley, C.D.P., looms in the distance throughout our lives, a Sister of Divine Providence, on her it is a profound experience when we must final journey from this life to eternal confront its nearness. When Sr. Roberta life—the result of a malignant and received her grim diagnosis on December inoperable/untreatable brain tumor 4th, she was shocked and shaken, as all of that ravaged her body in the 26 days us were. Yet she accepted it as she had from diagnosis to death. There is truly accepted everything else in her 66 years a void that has been created by her of life, with absolute trust in God. While death, and I’ve come to realize that it she never questioned, “Why me?” or in will not be filled, for she, like each of any way expressed anger or resentment, us, held a unique place in God’s eternal plan. And she did struggle to grasp the immensity of what this yet, the hearts of all who knew her are filled to the all meant. brim with gratitude that she was a part of our lives. It had been just a little over three months before that When illness, suffering and death come into our Sr. Roberta, along with her nine “classmates,” cele- lives, human nature tends to rail and rage against brated her Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession. them. In our humanness we tend to cling to an In the very same Motherhouse chapel where we cel- irrational conviction that we should be spared such ebrated her Funeral Liturgy, Sr. Roberta’s family experiences when, in fact, they are sure to come to us came together with other family and community all in one way or another. The frailty and finiteness members to celebrate 50 years of religious life. In of our mortal bodies are an inescapable dimension of doing so, we all collectively looked back to 1956 our humanness. However the power and wonder of when those young, teenage girls, made their initial our faith in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, and commitment to live their lives as vowed, committed, our share in the effects of His suffering, death and and professed religious women, willingly taking resurrection, assure all believers that it is through upon themselves the vows of poverty, chastity and our suffering and even our dying that we will obedience, and to live the rest of their lives with share in the rising that brings us into the fullness of absolute trust in the Love of our Provident God. God’s presence. (continued on page 2) INSIDE THIS ISSUE  The Catholic Funeral Plan, page 3  Development Projects, pages 4-5  Customer Service, page 6  Memorial Day Raffle, page 7  Conversion of Former Worship Site, page 8 TM Journey of Faith (continued) THE CATHOLIC FUNERAL PLAN Through every moment of . . . Making a Difference those 50 years, Sr. Roberta lived assure that the funeral arrangements made for their her vows not only faithfully, loved ones, who lived and practiced their faith, might but with great joy and in a spir- housands of Catholics have enrolled in the be followed according to their wishes. it of generous and gracious love T Catholic Funeral Plan™ (CFP) since it was first for every person she met. From introduced more than eight years ago. One of the pri- mary reasons the plan has been so well received is “The Catholic Funeral Plan may be the answer to her days as a teacher in a this growing problem.” number of our Catholic schools, because of the peace of mind it brings to those who to her days as a principal, to her are protected by it. They are assured that not only Fortunately the Catholic Funeral Plan ™ provides a service in administration with will their preference for a funeral and burial in the funeral planning alternative that has the traditions of her community, to her final Catholic tradition be permanently recorded, but also the Church as its focus. The plan is able to counter ministry of co-directing the that these wishes will be communicated to their these unfortunate trends by assuring those who are Motherhouse and caring for the loved ones at the time of their death. enrolled in the plan that their preference for a infirm and retired Sisters, she For many it is unimaginable that they would have Catholic Funeral will be communicated to their sur- did everything with a genuine anything but a Catholic funeral and burial. After all, viving family members before they meet with the love for Christ. the Church has always been an integral part of funeral director to finalize the funeral arrangements. their lives. Certainly their funeral and burial will Everyone who is enrolled in the As Sr. Roberta adjusted to the plan receives an ID card with shock of the devastating diagno- incorporate the rich traditions of the faith they have lived. Sadly, this instructions to call the CFP sis, she quickly demonstrated . . . the power and wonder office as soon as a death has what it means to be a person of is not always the case and it is of our faith in the Paschal becoming a more common trend. occurred. Extra copies of the faith. She took up her cross and “ ID card are also provided for allowed God to transform and Mystery of Jesus Christ, and Today families are often scattered Joseph Kelly distribution to the family strengthen her throughout her TM. our share in the effects of across the country. Everyone is Policy: 55-000-5551212 members who will be han- 26-day “Way of the Cross.” And in the process, all of busier than ever and the demands dling the funeral arrange- Sr. Roberta’s close family members and dear friends, His suffering, death and on families are endless. As these The individual named above is enrolled in the Catholic Funeral Plan ments at the time of death. including her Sisters in community life, who walked demands continue to grow, the See the reverse side of this card for important information on how to As soon as these family mem- resurrection, assure all obtain the benefits of which they are entitled at the time of death. that Way of the Cross with her, were also trans- importance of the Church and the bers learn of their loved one’s death, they formed and strengthened. believers that it is through practices of the faith are often dimin- have immediate access to the information they need. our suffering and even our ished. As a result it is becoming much more common As both her blood family and her religious commu- This approach has made a “. . . I believe that nity family spoke with Sr. Roberta in those final that family members in these second, third and dying that we will share in fourth generations are not providing a funeral that is big difference. A recent the issue is often weeks about what was unfolding, her typical independent market study response was, “We’ll have to see what the plan is”— the rising that brings us into consistent with the faith their loved ones have prac- times the lack of ticed throughout their lives. performed by Campos God’s Plan, to which she was willing to submit her the fullness of God’s Market Research polled knowledge, or infor- will and intellect, her very life. Her most frequent presence. Our parish priests are keenly aware of this unfortu- the surviving families of mation, concerning statement was, “It will be OK,” powerfully reminis- nate trend. At a recent meeting of a number of dioce- those who had the CFP in the faithful depart- cent of our Blessed Mother’s fiat, “Let it be done to ” san priests with representatives from the CFP, place at the time of their me as you say.” Father Jack Batykefer, pastor of Saint Patrick Parish death. This study found ed’s wishes and not that nearly 90% of those an actual disrespect All who shared Sr. Roberta’s final weeks were in Canonsburg, voiced his frustration with this with the CFP in place had immersed in the Paschal Mystery, the journey growing trend. for them.” a Funeral Mass, and all of through death to life. It is a journey we all must moment that Sr. Roberta breathed her last, she “So many times, the surviving family members do the funerals for those enrolled in the CFP were car- make. But because we are people of faith, we know smiled radiantly as she allowed herself to enter into not know how to, or would rather not contact the ried out as planned with no significant changes. The that death is not merely a sad departure with a crush- the loving embrace of her Lord Jesus, “as a bride parish of their loved ones; and the intended Rite of Catholic Funeral Plan™ works because those who ing finality. It is a portal, a doorway, to eternal life, adorned to meet her husband” (Revelation 21: 3) Christian Burial is not given. I believe that the issue have enrolled have recorded their preference for a and (as St. Bonaventure writes so beautifully), Jesus Who came to take her to be with Him forever. Faith is often times the lack of knowledge, or information, funeral in the Catholic tradition, and those wishes Christ IS the doorway. As challenging as the journey fulfilled. The Paschal Mystery in its fullness. concerning the faithful departed’s wishes and not an have also been communicated to the family members may be, we are confident, as Sr. Roberta was, that actual disrespect for them.” responsible for making their final arrangements. everything “will be OK,” that we will arrive safely at May all our loved ones who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith, find eternal rest in the our destination to experience God face to face, an “In a day and age when so many of our younger gen- For more information about the Catholic Funeral peace of Christ. experience beyond our imagination, an encounter eration are not practicing their Catholic faith or have Plan™ either call 1-877-886-7526 or ask one of the that is, I’m convinced, the reason why at the very left the church completely, I feel it is important that representatives in your local diocesan cemetery office. 2 there is some sort of ‘safety net’ that would help to 3 DEVELOPMENT Construction is well underway Bishop William Winter blest on the new Mary, Mother of the this newest mausoleum on Church Chapel Mausoleum to Projects October 2, 2004. The mau- be built at Queen of Heaven soleum includes 384 garden Diocesan Cemetery in Peters crypts and 96 niches for Township. The chapel mau- cremated remains. The build- his past year was a busy one for new development at The soleum will consist of two phases ing is located in a beautiful providing 3,548 interior chapel T Catholic Cemeteries Association. Many new projects were in garden setting. crypts, exterior garden atriums various stages of development within the diocesan cemetery prop- and niches for cremated erties, some of which are listed below. remains. Mary, Mother of the Church Chapel Mausoleum • The new Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel Mausoleum located in St. Matthew Garden Mausoleum Calvary Cemetery, Hazelwood, is nearing completion. Stop in the office and ask for a tour of this beautiful new chapel mausoleum! • Mary, Mother of the Church Chapel Mausoleum located in Queen of Our Lady of Hope Chapel Mausoleum will be located in Heaven Cemetery, McMurray, is ahead of the construction schedule Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, thanks to warm weather through early winter. Tarentum. Currently in the Construction was completed • This past Veteran’s Day, Bishop Paul Bradley dedicated the new pre-construction phase, the in October 2005 on this new proposed design will contain Veteran’s Section and beautiful Veteran's Memorial located in Queen chapel mausoleum in Holy an impressive chapel and 679 of Heaven Cemetery in McMurray. The memorial is 40 feet long and Savior Cemetery, Richland crypt spaces when completed. is constructed of polished black granite surrounded by a promenade Township. Former Auxiliary Bishop David Zubik dedicated of granite pavers and benches. The theme is Family, Faith and it on November 26, 2005 in Our Lady of Hope Chapel Mausoleum Country and it honors veterans of all conflicts. honor of American saints. A beautiful stained glass window • Extensive upgrades to the landscaping in all diocesan cemetery of Christ our Savior adorns the chapel. Construction on this beautiful properties goes on all summer long. Shrub and flower beds are mausoleum building located in installed where possible, and are expertly maintained throughout the Holy Savior Chapel Mausoleum Calvary Cemetery, Hazelwood growing season. is quickly nearing completion. Dedication is scheduled for the summer of 2007. There are Following is an update on our current mausoleum projects. 6,300 crypts in the three story building. A two story chapel Located in Resurrection Holy Family Chapel mausoleum, with a soaring atrium is the Cemetery, Moon Township, located in St. Stanislaus centerpiece of this building. Holy Angels Chapel Cemetery, Shaler Township, Mausoleum was completed in consists of 690 crypts. It was Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel Mausoleum 2002 and dedicated by Bishop dedicated in March of 2003. Donald W. Wuerl on August A stained glass window has 20, 2002. There are 2,607 been installed depicting the life of the Holy Family. This beautiful This chapel mausoleum is locat- spaces, including indoor chapel space provides a fitting environ- ed in Mount Carmel Cemetery crypts and outdoor patio crypts. ment for committal services at in Penn Hills. Completed only a A beautiful stained glass the cemetery. few years ago, this mausoleum window graces the chapel. has been so well received by Holy Angels Chapel Mausoleum Holy Family Chapel Mausoleum Catholic families that sales in Phase II have already begun. The chapel promotes an environment for prayer for the deceased entombed there. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel Mausoleum The Blessed Virgin Mary Mary, Mother of Christ Chapel Garden Mausoleum in All Mausoleum, St. Joseph Saints Cemetery, Braddock Cemetery, North Versailles, is Hills, was blessed on April 6, currently being offered to This chapel mausoleum, is 2003. Together with a twin Catholic families on a pre- located just inside the entrance building dedicated to the construction basis. It will to Sacred Heart Diocesan Sacred Heart, these projects include a beautiful chapel and Cemetery, Monongahela, and provided 796 new crypts at a total of 1,944 crypts. consists of a total of 684 this cemetery. A new garden chapel and garden crypts. mausoleum building has just Much of the inventory in this recently been opened for sale. mausoleum has been selected. Phase II is scheduled to open Blessed Virgin Mary Garden Mausoleum Mary, Mother of Christ Chapel Mausoleum for sale in the near future. Sacred Heart Chapel Mausoleum 4 5 IN THE SPOTLIGHT MEMORIAL DAY RAFFLE Customer Service — No Small Task Grand Prize Certificate Jim is employed by UPMC Presbyterian and Kathy ictured on your right are the Customer Service about the daily activities of the cemetery, and tanding in front of the Good Shepherd Cemetery by Bob Evans Farms, Inc. The Kapp’s wish to thank P Coordinators for Calvary Cemetery, Carolyn they also process all of the paperwork that flows S sign are, from left to right, Daniel E. Gribble, Dan and Annabelle and all those involved for this Baker and Marg Granata. through the office and ensure that it is accurate. Sales Manager for St. Joseph & Good Shepherd wonderful prize. Additional daily tasks Cemeteries, Jim and Kathy Kapp, grand prize Marg Granata has been working for The include processing memori- winners and Annabelle McGannon, Executive Catholic Cemeteries Association for 19 al orders for families, foun- Director of The Catholic Cemeteries Association years. Marg will be celebrating 20 years dation orders for the field of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The Kapp’s are with us on August 13. She began work- staff, sales agreements, pay- accepting the grand prize certificate that they won ing as an Office Administrator at our Mt. roll, vouchering bills to as part of the Memorial Day raffle. The Kapp’s Carmel Catholic Cemetery for the first Accounting and maintain- had picked up the raffle form at St Joseph year and a half, then she was transferred ing inventories for various Cemetery, North Versailles, on memorial day to Calvary Cemetery. items at the cemetery. weekend while visiting the plots of Jim’s deceased Carolyn Baker has been an employee of parents and paternal grandparents. The grand In a cemetery as large and prize consists of two burial plots, two vaults and The Catholic Cemeteries Association as active as Calvary since 1997. Carolyn also began her an engraved marker at any one of the 15 diocesan Cemetery, this is no small cemetery locations. The current market value of employment with us at Mt. Carmel task! Calvary Cemetery Catholic Cemetery as an Office the award is valued at $7,075.00. The Kapps chose Carolyn Baker and Marg Granata services 900 interments and Good Shepherd Cemetery because it is in Administrator for 5 years and then was L to R: Daniel E. Gribble, Jim & Kathy Kapp, entombments annually and Monroeville and they are Monroeville residents. transferred to Calvary Cemetery. is the largest of the diocesan cemeteries. Our Annabelle McGannon The Customer Service Coordinators have very Customer Service Coordinators really do hold it all important responsibilities at The Catholic together! THE OWNER’S RIGHT OF BURIAL Cemeteries Association. The ladies administer mul- tiple tasks daily — they ensure that all members of Did You Know? the cemetery staff are in constant communication It is important to keep in mind that cemetery ease- ne does not “own” graves or crypts in the same ments do not pass automatically as part of a deceased O manner in which one owns real estate. Those person’s estate. Owners must specifically bequeath Thank you ladies! who acquire grave or crypt spaces acquire an ease- the right of burial to another person by “specific ment or right to use those spaces for the interment of devise” in the Will, that is, in writing, specifically human remains, but they do not actually acquire identifying the location of the cemetery property to CUSTOMER SERVICE ownership of the physical property. be bequeathed. If no such specific devise is men- tioned, then all blood heirs of the deceased owner Personified! The one to whom the easement has been granted (the have an equal right to use the cemetery property in “owner”) has the right to do a number of things relat- order of need. The spouses of these heirs, however, CA employee Ann Traeger ed to the burial space(s): do not have an inherent right of burial; they must Cposes with a beautiful bou- “. . . seeing •The owner of the easement can direct who may be receive written permission for burial either from the quet of flowers sent to thank her buried in the space(s) and who may not. No one can owner during his or her lifetime, or from the blood for the special help she gave to a the completed use the space(s) without the easement owner’s heirs of the owner after the original owner’s death. family who wanted to design a permission. very unique and personalized memorial, If you own multiple spaces for in-ground burial or memorial for the gravesite of the they sent •The owner can allocate individual grave or crypt crypts for above ground entombment, we strongly son they lost to cancer. Counselor spaces to specific people. If the owner dies without encourage you to file a written assignment for the use Joe Gazarek met with the family the beautiful making a specific assignment for all the spaces, it of those spaces with the cemetery office. to select the type of memorial flowers as a can create confusion and problems in the they wanted, and Ann, after many family for future burials. For more information on this important topic exchanges of photos and e-mails thank you.” call any of our cemetery offices or call us, with the family, helped them complete the custom CCA employee, Ann Traeger •The owner can transfer their right of burial toll free, at 1-800-281-0980. design. After seeing the completed memorial, they to another family member or to any other sent the beautiful flowers as a thank you. person as long as they are eligible to be 6 buried in a Catholic cemetery. 7 CONVERSION OF FORMER WORSHIP SITE A First

n what might be a one-of-a-kind project any- I where in the country, The Catholic Cemeteries Association will convert the former St. Mary Church building, located in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, into a chapel mausoleum. The church building became part of the newly established Our Lady of the Angels Parish in October of 1993. The newly formed parish ceased using the church building as a wor- ship site in 2004. The building is directly next to St. Mary Diocesan Cemetery, next to the former St. Francis Hospital site, and the new Children’s Hospital location. Under Canon Law, both a place of worship (our churches) and a place where the faithful are buried (our cemeteries and/or mausoleums) are designated as “sacred.” Because the former church building will be converted into a place for the burial of the faithful, it remains a sacred place.

The exterior of the building will remain very Former St. Mary Church, Lawrenceville much the same, but the interior will undergo major to become a chapel mausoleum renovations in its conversion to a chapel mausoleum. Many of the existing features within the former and were married. We are not aware of another church building will be saved, such as the beautiful unique opportunity like this anywhere. Many other stained glass windows, the former sanctuary and a families, not members of the local parish, but who side chapel. have family buried in St. Mary Cemetery, also look forward to the opportunity to be owners in the new Parishioners of Our Lady of the Angels Parish will mausoleum. To receive more information on this have a unique opportunity to be laid to rest within unique mausoleum project, call our toll-free number the same beautiful structure in which many were at 877-886-7526. baptized, received Holy Communion, Confirmation

TEN WINNERS “Fill Up” Courtesy of CCA

ver the 2006 Memorial Day weekend ten fami- the diocesan cemeteries. Don’t for- O lies who visited our diocesan cemeteries won a get to fill out your survey this year — you never $100 gift card for gasoline compliments of The know what good things could come your way! Catholic Cemeteries Association. The cards were our way of saying “Thank CATHOLIC CEMETERIES ASSOCIATION you!” for coming and for participating in our annual survey, which gives us important feed- 718 Hazelwood Avenue back about our programs and the condition of Pittsburgh, PA 15217.2807 412.521.9133 8