WYANDOTTE AND JOHNSON COUNTIES Ca holic Cemeteries WINTER 2010
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
At this holy time of year when we celebrate Christ’s Gate of Heaven Cemetery birth, we pause to in western Wyandotte County will be the site count our blessings, of new memorials and shrines over the next the gift of our faith two years. and the opportunity to continue to serve you through the special ministry of Catholic Cemeteries.
It’s a special honor in this edition of the newsletter to present you with Looking ahead with a five-year progress report of the many enhancements we have made to the Catholic Cemeteries Catholic Cemeteries in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. From your feedback, ACKNOWLEDGING CLIENT FEEDBACK THAT THE ADDITION we have learned that you value memo- rials and monuments as important OF MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS ADDS TO THE SACRED additions to the sacred environment ENVIRONMENT AND VISUAL APPEAL OF OUR CATHOLIC of the cemetery properties. CEMETERIES, WE ARE PROJECTING CONTINUED BEAUTIFICATION As you will read in an accompanying article, new developments are on the INITIATIVES AT THREE LOCATIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. drawing board for 2011. Space in our FOR MORE Gate of Heaven Cemetery older cemeteries—particularly Mt. INFORMATION We are proceeding with plans to develop the Veterans Memorial Calvary, Kansas City, Kan.—is growing ABOUT ANY OF at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. We scarce. Because of this, we continue to OUR SERVICES, anticipate grading to begin in spring 2011 for the new road on the east develop opportunities to interest area side of the cemetery where the memorial will be located. By summer call Catholic Cemeteries, Catholics in the beautiful park-like 2011, foundations for the memorial and the flagpole should be in place 913-371-4040, e-mail us at setting of Gate of Heaven Cemetery with completion of the memorial anticipated in 2012. By early 2011, in western Wyandotte County. We are [email protected] we will begin offering lots in the section surrounding the memorial for planning a new Veterans Memorial, or visit our website at burial of veterans and their spouses. a monument to victims of abortion and www.catholiccemeterieskc.org. Also in early 2011, the monument commemorating victims of a Guardian Angels Shrine to add to the abortion will be in place at Gate of Heaven. This is a collaborative beauty of this location. project with the William T. Fitzsimons Assembly of the Knights of This fall, when Archbishop Naumann Catholic Cemeteries Columbus. Memorial opportunities include engraved, granite bricks Board of Trustees blessed the new cross in the section on the sidewalk and patio of the memorial. Rev. Ken Kelly, Chairman of Mt. Calvary recently designated for Also planned at Gate of Heaven is the Guardian Angel Shrine in the Rev. Jeremiah Spencer, the Sisters, Servants of Mary, we opened midst of the burial section for Vice chairman the prayer service with the hymn, Robert W. Chenoweth infants and children. This shrine “This is Holy Ground.” The words of the Rita Lavery will be fabricated from fiber song struck a meaningful chord with Jerry Mayne bronze with a large block of me related to our work at Catholic John Thomas granite at the base for inscrip- Cemeteries. We sang: tions of names of children Catholic Cemeteries “This is holy ground, we’re standing buried at the cemetery. Staff on holy ground, for the Lord is Executive director present, and where he is, is holy.” Resurrection Cemetery Robert W. Chenoweth We work on and with holy ground Development of the Family service counselors Bob DeHaven every day year-round, and we strive to southwest area of this cemetery in Lenexa, Kan., John Krumm keep the sacred ground of our Catholic Mike Kuban Cemeteries beautiful for you and your began in November with the Karen Ohde loved ones—living and deceased. Thank planting of 10 large trees. Charlie Owens you for entrusting us with this very Irrigation and drainage work Bill Riley will precede roadwork in this Tim Streff special ministry. Gilbert Valle new section. Long-range plans Blessings of this holiday season to A beautiful statue of the Guardian Angel is Carla Yarnell call for a large monument you and yours. planned for the infants and children’s section Office support facing north at the south end at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Kelli Lawson of the cemetery. Names of children buried at the cemetery will Rose Shaffer be engraved on the granite base of the shrine. Sharon Vallejo, manager Robert W. Chenoweth St. Joseph Cemetery Field operations manager Executive Director By late 2011, we are projecting installation of another columbarium for Jerry Frederes cremains at this Shawnee, Kan., cemetery. CATHOLIC CEMETERIES’ FIVE-YEAR REPORT: beautification and enhancements We are pleased to present this overview of several improvements and beautification projects that have occurred over the past five years (2005-2010) in the Catholic Cemeteries serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties.
2OO5 2OO7 2OO9 Restored the Faith, Hope and Charity monu- Made wall additions to the Infant of Prague ment at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan. Memorial, Resurrection Cemetery, to accommodate additional names.
2OO7 2OO9 Installed the monument of Replaced the the four evan- painting with Installed a wall and handicap-accessible gelists at the a beautiful new ramp at our office at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, burial site for mosaic for the Kansas City, Kan. archbishops, Assumption bishops and monument at Resurrection MAY 2O, 2OO6 priests at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan.
SEPT. 5, 2OO9 Blessed and dedicated the new Holy Family 2OO7 Mausoleum, Resurrection Cemetery. Purchased the life-size statue of Pope John Dedicated the Infant of Prague Memorial with Paul II that overlooks the chapel of Prince of 2O1O granite walls inscribed with names of children Peace Mausoleum, Resurrection Cemetery, buried at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Lenexa, Kan. Installed glass cremation niches Installed the Kan. (Archbishop Naumann pictured above.) under the statue. St. Michael the Archangel statue and 2OO8 MAY 29, 2OO6 columbarium at Dedicated the memorial at Resurrection Gate of Heaven Cemetery to victims of abortion. Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan., for NOV. 11, 2OO6 entombment of cremated Hosted a flag-raising ceremony to launch remains. construction of the Veterans Memorial, Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan.
Restored and refurbished the Ascension 2O1O DEC. 12, 2OO6 Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery with a Installed electric power and a bubbler to Dedicated the new mosaic. aerate the pond at the entrance to Gate beautiful mosaic of Heaven. to Our Lady of 2OO8 Guadalupe on the west side of Refurbished and remodeled St. Joseph 2O1O Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan., and Queen of Peace Mausoleum, Placed new Cemetery, fencing, removed Kansas City, Kan. Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan., with new lighting and carpeting. dirt and leveled grounds at Mt. Calvary 2OO8 Cemetery, Olathe, Kan. Added new fences and gates to the main entrance to Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. 2OO7
Replaced the MAY 26, 2OO8 2O1O crucifix in the crucifixion scene Dedicated Refurbished on the Strang the new the altar and Mausoleum, a Veterans the wall around landmark at St. Memorial, the priests’ John Cemetery, Resurrection burial section Lenexa, Kan. Cemetery, at St. Joseph Lenexa, Cemetery, Kan. Shawnee, Kan.
2 Catholic Cemeteries • Serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties November a busy month at Catholic Cemeteries IN OUR TRADITION OF PROVIDING A SACRED PLACE FOR REMEMBERING, CATHOLIC CEMETERIES HOSTED SEVERAL SPECIAL SERVICES IN NOVEMBER— THE MONTH TRADITIONALLY DEDICATED TO MEMORIALIZING DECEASED LOVED ONES.
All Souls’ Day Masses Archbishop Naumann praised the Sisters, Servants for their faith and their good works. He said, “You are like the holy women of the Gospel who remained at the foot of the cross and gave Christ comfort and strength. You do that for the sick, for those sharing in the cross of Christ in this world.” The archbishop said it was important to have a beauti- ful resting place for the Sisters for everything they do for people. But he quickly added, “We need you on this side of heaven for some time!” Veterans Day observance Rev. James E. Father Dan Gardner, pastor of All Saints Parish, Kansas City, Kan., Ludwikoski, greeted guests following the All Souls’ Day Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. chaplain, lieu- The month began with All Souls’ Day Masses on Nov. 2. tenant colonel Rev. Dan Gardner was the celebrant at Mt. Calvary and pastor, was Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan., and Rev. Robert Conroy, MC, the featured at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan. In his homily, speaker for the Father Gardner echoed the reading from the Old annual Veterans Testament Book of Maccabees saying that it was good to Day observance have hope in the resurrection of the dead and the belief at the Veterans that people will live again. “Our loved ones who have died Memorial at are dead to the world,” he said, “but they are still with us Resurrection as we think about them and reflect about memories. We Cemetery, look forward to the future when we will connect with Lenexa, Kan. them through the gift of eternal life.” The retired Air Force chaplain Cross blessing, Sisters, Servants spoke from Father James Ludwikoski, pastor of Good On All Souls’ Day, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann almost 30 years Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, Kan., and a retired blessed the new cross in the section of Mt. Calvary of personal Air Force chaplain, gave guest remarks at the Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan., recently designated for the experience Veterans Day observance at Resurrection Sisters, Servants of Mary. Catholic Cemeteries donated the about the values Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan. section to the Sisters who minister to persons who are upheld by men and women in military service. sick and dying and do not charge for their services. He said they have strong love of their country and their families. They sacrifice personal time, the closeness of friends and their own individuality for the greater good of defending this nation and their loved ones. They are vigilant and have a strong moral conscience. “While they Fund to help train daily for the horrors of war,” Father Ludwikoski said, “they have a fervent desire for peace.” persons Father Ludwikoski called military personnel “patriots, unable to sentinels, peacekeepers and peacemakers. They know afford burials what they do makes a difference. We owe them a debt that can never be paid.” Catholic Cemeteries accepts donations With Sisters, Servants of Mary and friends in attendance, Archbishop Participants in the Veterans Day observance enjoyed a of unused burial Naumann said prayers of blessing for the new cross in the section patriotic prelude by the American Legion Band. Veterans of of Mt. Calvary recently donated to the religious community by Foreign War Post 7397 formed the color guard, gave the spaces or funds to Catholic Cemeteries. 21-gun rifle salute and played “Taps” to close the program. provide burials for persons unable to afford these services.
MARKING GRAVES WITH THE CROSS We also have a fund for landscape and As a field worker for Catholic Cemeteries, garden improvements. Richard Palmerin keeps busy preparing sites Call 913-371-4040 for burials, setting monuments, trimming for more information hedges and maintaining the properties. about these opportunities. He also believes that it’s his job to help people when he sees them at the cemetery paying respect to their loved ones. He will offer an elderly person a ride or stop to visit with family members en route to their mother’s gravesite. Richard has worked with Catholic Cemeteries since 2007. He had taken early retirement from his construction career in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Editor: Therese Horvat He said that he still works with a tape measure, one A lifelong Kansas City, Kan., resident, Richard is a WTGG Consulting of the tools of his trade as a carpenter. As he marks out member of All Saints Parish where he serves as a Eucharistic Designer: final resting places for burial sites, Richard uses the tape minister. He is also a member of the Sisters, Servants of Rosie Holderby measure. He likes to visualize the space as if it were a Mary Men’s Group. He and his wife have two children and Cole Design & Production cross, thinking that people live by the cross and their final nine grandchildren. In his free time, Richard “works with resting spot should be marked by the cross. accumulated tools” and does woodworking.
WINTER 2010 3 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID CATHOLIC CEMETERIES Permit No. 216 P.O. Box 2327 Kansas City, KS KANSAS CITY, KS 66110-0327
What’s inside
Looking ahead with Catholic Cemeteries ...... 1 Catholic Cemeteries’ five-year report ...... 2 November a busy month at Catholic Cemeteries ...... 3
Marking graves with the cross . . . . 3 Fund to help persons unable to afford burials ...... 3
Testimonial & Thanks ...... 4
4 • WINTER 2010 WINTER • Counties Johnson and Wyandotte Serving Cemeteries Catholic
Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kan. Lenexa, Cemetery, Resurrection
Photo of stained glass in the new Holy Family Mausoleum, Family Holy new the in glass stained of Photo
Christmas and a Happy New Year. New Happy a and Christmas
ones and extend wishes for a joy-filled a for wishes extend and ones
We pray blessings on you and your loved your and you on blessings pray We
Kansas City, Kan. City, Kansas the promise of eternal life. life. eternal of promise the
126th and Parallel and 126th
for the gift of life, the seasons of life and and life of seasons the life, of gift the for
Gate of Heaven Cemetery Heaven of Gate •
Advent and Christmas season, we thank God thank we season, Christmas and Advent
Shawnee, Kan. Shawnee,
Year-round and especially during this this during especially and Year-round
61st and Quivira and 61st
St. Joseph Cemetery Joseph St. • we celebrate life. celebrate we
Lenexa, Kan. Lenexa,
89th and Pflumm and 89th At Catholic Cemeteries, Cemeteries, Catholic At
St. John Cemetery John St. •
Olathe, Kan. Olathe,
158th and S. Hwy. 169 Hwy. S. and 158th
Mt. Calvary Cemetery Calvary Mt. •
Lenexa, Kan. Lenexa,
— Dorothy Swope Dorothy —
83rd and Quivira and 83rd
Resurrection Cemetery Resurrection •
picture! Thank you, Catholic Cemeteries, for your loving care. loving your for Cemeteries, Catholic you, Thank picture!
Kansas City, Kan. City, Kansas
and that of many of our friends buried close by. What a beautiful a What by. close buried friends our of many of that and 38th and State Ave. State and 38th
Mt. Calvary Cemetery Calvary Mt. •
make a truly restful picture of my family’s final resting place resting final family’s my of picture restful truly a make
Kansas City, Kan. City, Kansas
today. The beautiful mausoleum and the new crucifix gracing it gracing crucifix new the and mausoleum beautiful The today.
36th and State Ave. State and 36th
St. John Cemetery John St. • mother’s grave in 1949 were grandfathered and are still there still are and grandfathered were 1949 in grave mother’s
& www.catholiccemeterieskc.org
his flag blowing in the breeze. The flower pots that dad put on put dad that pots flower The breeze. the in blowing flag his
913-371-4040 four of his daughters are buried there with mother and dad. It is It dad. and mother with there buried are daughters his of four
information
brother (a Korean veteran and Purple Heart recipient) and recipient) Heart Purple and veteran Korean (a brother
Thanks Office and more more and Office
considered St. John’s as hallowed ground. We still do. Now, my Now, do. still We ground. hallowed as John’s St. considered LOCATIONS
CEMETERIES CEMETERIES
in 1949. All six of us kids were raised close by and always always and by close raised were kids us of six All 1949. in
CATHOLIC Testimonial
is that of my family. Mother was buried there at 41 years of age of years 41 at there buried was Mother family. my of that is The Burnett tombstone at St. John Cemetery (Lenexa, Kan.) Kan.) (Lenexa, Cemetery John St. at tombstone Burnett The