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Letter from the President
Dear Friends of Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries,
As Catholics, we believe that each of us is created in the image of God. In the course of our faith journey, our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit; we are baptized with water, anointed with oil, fed with the Body and Blood of Christ. As we strive in our lives to treat the human body with the respect due to God's creation, we also strive to treat it with respect in death.
The cemetery grounds are consecrated and burial in consecrated ground is an act of reverence and respect for the body, once the temple of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the cemetery is the resting place for our bodies until the Lord comes again in glory. Even the features and layout of the cemeteries speak to our belief in the sacredness of every human person.
We come to the cemetery to visit our loved ones out of love and respect for who they were and what they meant to us. We respect the dignity of their bodies resting in this cemetery until their resurrection. Remembering that we are all faith pilgrims on this journey together, we show other visitors and their loved ones buried here the same respect we expect to receive from them.
Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries values all visitors to the cemeteries. This requires that we maintain some sort of balance in regulating what individuals may or may not do on the cemetery grounds. We ask for your assistance by showing respect for the graves of those buried near your loved one. Remember that the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries has rules and regulations in place, which include the prohibition of certain types of conduct and the use of alcohol, loud music, tents, stoves or grills. Those violating these policies will be asked to leave the cemetery grounds immediately.
We thank you for helping us create a reverential and prayerful atmosphere which will enhance the visits of all our guests at Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries.
Christ's Peace,
Gary L. Brown
President
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Holy Cross Cemetery, Avondale
Currently, the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries Council and Staff are working on completing a 75 year plan for Holy Cross Cemetery. Located at 99th Avenue and Thomas, the 36 year old cemetery's plans include a 15,000 to 20,000 square foot mortuary, several new burial gardens, cremation options and mausoleums. The mortuary would be Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries second funeral home. Queen of Heaven Mortuary in Mesa was opened in June of 2007. The initial site plan gained City of Avondale approval in early January and is now in the process of being designed.
For information on all of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries Catholic Heritage Plan services and products, including ground burial, mausoleum, cremation, funeral and final expense insurance, call 602-723-2736. |
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A History of St Francis Cemetery Part II
The Mausoleum
First, let me thank everyone who attended the Memorial Day Mass, and there were many. You made it a very special service. Don't forget our ALL Souls Day Mass and our special Christmas Memorial Service.
Phase one of the Mausoleum was completed in 1971. It instantly became the focal point of the cemetery, as it is today. It now contains three phases and accommodates 5,000 crypts and 1,400 niches. There are many spiritual, religious, and symbolic Images in the mausoleum, which, when visited evoke a strong spiritual connection.
Just before you exit the mausoleum, look up over the front door. There you will see the Risen Christ faceted window depicting the Resurrection of Christ. In the main lobby are the glass mosaics of the Four Evangelists symbolically depicted by the Four Beasts of the Gospel.
In Phase #3, first and second floor, we have a 32 foot high and 12 foot wide relief that depicts the "Empty Tomb and Resurrection" of Christ. It was designed by local artist Dean Dwyer and crafted in Pittsburg, PA. This 384 square foot creation represents nearly 3 tons of sculpted bronze. Each crypt front measures 6 foot by 2.5 feet and weighs approximately 250 pounds each. There is not another sculpted masterpiece like it in the world.
Also on the first floor we have St. Peter's Chapel. Here we have an 8 foot statue of St. Peter. Note the attention to detail on this 850 pound statue designed by Mr. Dwyer. Also, take note of the keys. Bishops will be buried on each side of this chapel. Finally, on the first floor, we have a wonderful lounge where family members can go to console and/or uplift one another.
On the second floor, we have what I believe is one of the most spiritual areas I have ever seen in a mausoleum. It is known as Luminous Mysteries Chapel. It houses a Mosaic Madonna. The design shows a peaceful figure of Mary above the globe, hands folded in prayer as she seems to be rising from the earth. The rays extending from the globe create this rising uplifting feeling. Mary is wearing a mantle of blue, the traditional color associated with Mary.
Last but not least are the blending of marble and polished granite that, by design, are different from hallway to hallway. This greatly adds to the Mausoleum by giving it a unique look. We also would not want to forget the wonderful Courtyard with that wonderful water feature. Also, a great place to relax and meditate.
God bless all of you and your families. I look forward to the next time we meet.
Jim Jones, St. Francis Cemetery Manager
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Memorial Day Masses
Over 3,000 people visited one of the Catholic Cemteries on Memorial Day. The Masses at each of the cemeteries were a beautiful way to honor and commenmorate all military personnel, veterans and our loved ones who have died. Thank you for joining us and making the day unforgettable.
 | | Queen of Heaven Cemetery |
 | | Queen of Heaven Cemetery |
 | | Holy Redeemer Cemetery |
 | | Holy Redeemer Cemetery |
 | | Holy Redeemer Cemetery |
 | | Calvary Cemetery |
 | | Holy Cross Cemetery |
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SILK FLOWERS
As a convenience to our families, cemetery flowers are now available on our web site or from the displays in our cemetery offices. These beautiful silk bouquets are secured with the patented "Stay-In-The- VaseÒ" device. We will even place the flowers for you. These bouquets comply with our Decoration Policies. Keep in mind that the normal clean up dates apply.
Click on this link https://www.catholiccemeteriesphx.com/flowers to order from our Web Site. You may also purchase from the displays in the lobbies of our cemeteries.
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ALL SOUL'S DAY
Please join us at the cemeteries for All Soul's Day Masses when we gather to remember all who have died and whose names are written in the BOOK OF LIFE - November 2, 2011.
St. Francis Cemetery 4:30 pm
Holy Cross Cemetery 4:30 pm
Queen of Heaven Cemetery 4:30 pm
Holy Redeemer Cemetery 4:30 pm
Calvary Cemetery 5:30 pm
All Souls Cemetery 9:00 am
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Cemetery Clean Up Dates
St. Francis Queen of Heaven Holy Cross
Week of July 11, 2011 October 10, 2011
January 9, 2012 April 16, 2012 July 9, 2012 October 8, 2012
All Souls Holy Redeemer
1st Tuesday of Each Month
No Flowers are allowed for the entire week |
Annual Memorial Services "Celebrating Life in a New Light" Honoring our loved ones who died between 11/2010 - 11/2011 Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mortuary Memorial Mass December 3, 2011 11:00 am Holy Cross Cemetery
Memorial Service
December 6, 2011
4:30 pm Holy Redeemer Cemetery Memorial Service December 7, 2011 4:30 pm
St. Francis Cemetery
Memorial Service December 9, 2011 4:30 pm |
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Please direct comments about individual cemeteries to the emails listed above.
All other comments go to dreed@diocesephoenix.com
Check out our new website
http://www.catholiccemeteriesphx.com
Look for specials under Help With Your Decisions
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Debra Reed
Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries
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