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MEMORIAL PRAYER SERVICES

Since the earliest Days, the Church has carried on the tradition of praying for the dead.

The Catholic Cemeteries Association conducts a Memorial Prayer Service at one of our diocesan cemetery chapels almost every Sunday afternoon.

Letters and e-mails are sent out to the families of those recently deceased, inviting them to come to the cemetery where their loved one is buried to remember them in prayer. However, all families are welcome to attend these services at all times. The prayer services are coordinated by the Pastoral Consultant for The Catholic Cemeteries Association. The prayer services are led by a priest, pastoral minister or deacon from a local parish.

These services have been a source of great consolation and peace to hundreds of families who have participated over the years.

Memorial Prayer Service - Upcoming Schedule

JANUARY 2012

January 15 - Calvary Catholic Cemetery
January 22 - Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
January 29 - Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Cemetery

FEBRUARY 2012

February 12 - All Saints Catholic Cemetery
February 19 - Resurrection Catholic Cemetery
February 26 - St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

MARCH 2012

March 18 - Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery

RACHEL MOURNING

" A voice is heard in Ramah lamenting and weeping bitterly; it is Rachel weeping for her children because they are no more." Jeremiah 31:15

After a woman has resolved the issues of grief, anger, guilt or forgiveness, related to an abortion experience, she may want to memorialize her aborted child by placing a granite stone with the child's first name and year of death in the Holy Innocents Plot at Calvary Cemetery, where the beautiful statue of RACHEL MOURNING is located. The Catholic Cemeteries Association offers this service without disclosure and free of charge.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas trees around the
world below with tiny lights,
Like heavens, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular; pleasewipe away the tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare with the
Christmas Choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy the voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away.
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you a special memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.

For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear,
Remember that I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.