Construction for the new facility at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery is on schedule. Arizona Beeman Drilling mobilized their drilling rig in mid January to continue the creation of a new well which will assist in meeting our water needs. 

We are saddened to announce the death of William "Bill" Shaud Wednesday, January 30, 2013.  Bill, aged 46,  worked with Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries for 8 years at both Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery and St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.  Bill was a hard and willing worker whose contribution to the cemeteries was appreciated by his friends and the families who visited.  He was a motorcycle enthusiast with a big heart whose humane care and treatment of the animals at the cemeteries was well known.

"Bill" leaves many, many friends, some of whom were like his family.  He had a joyous sense of humor and was known for some of his spontaneous pranks.  His warm infectious smile will be highly missed.  He was born December 26, 1966 in Phoenix.  He died incredibly suddenly on January 30, 2013 while riding his beloved blue HARLEY-DAVIDSON home.  He met Jesus in the crisis.  His beautiful spirit is in the glory of heaven.  He is survived by his mother Edna Uthe, his step-father, Richard Miller, 2 sisters, Georgine Heller and Tina Shaw.  Services were held Friday, February 8 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary.  He was laid to rest at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be made by visiting the online obituary Guest Book at www.obits.azcentral.com.

Question: MKP asked, " I was recently at a funeral at Queen of Heaven. The grass & grounds are so green & well kept. Why is that not the same at St Francis where my parents are buried ?"

Answer: Thank you for your question. We value open communication.

During the winter months, many people ask the same question you are asking. As you know, St. Francis is our oldest cemetery. During its approximately first 50 years, there was little or no irrigation. Then we were able to access irrigation water from the Salt River Project. We have never been allowed to have a well (these regulations are very restrictive). Since we rely on Salt River Project water, we do not have a consistent source of water through the winter months. Salt River Project shuts down delivery for several weeks for maintenance. Because of this and other issues, we cannot maintain winter rye grass at St. Francis. St. Francis follows the seasonal appearance of cemeteries in colder climates with green grass in the summer and dormant grass in the winter.

When we designed our newer cemeteries, like Queen of Heaven, we were able to secure well rights and design irrigation systems to modern standards. Because of this, we have been able to have Bermuda grass in the summer and over-seeded rye grass in the winter.

We too wish that we could over-seed with rye grass in the winter at St. Francis. We prefer the year-long green grass. The advantages to letting the grass go dormant at St Francis include environmental and financial stewardship. Salt River project water is a renewable source. It is surface water from snow melt, not ground water from a well. This is an important issue in Arizona. Environmental stewardship is also a Catholic value. We have not yet found a responsible way to convert St. Francis to year-round green grass.