|
By Kathy Fanger
As the Jubilee Year of Mercy has come to a close , Catholic Cemeteries continues to practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in our ministry to Catholics , Christians and their families .
In this issue we spotlight Gate of Heaven Cemetery located in the foothills of Los Altos . It is one of three cemeteries owned and operated by the Diocese of San Jose . While Calvary Cemetery is an older , traditional cemetery with upright monuments , Gate of Heaven is more typical of a modern memorial park with rolling hills , chapel , mausoleum , and a columbarium between two beautiful ponds , all overlooking the western foothills and valley . Its sacred , peaceful and exquisite grounds point to its name : Gate of Heaven . Monsignor J . Patrick Browne
|
has declared our cemeteries to be “ the best kept secret in the diocese .”
Gate of Heaven ’ s daily visitors find comfort among other believers who look to the Lord with hope : “ I am the resurrection and the life . He who believes in me will live , even though he dies .” John 11:26 . They find strength in sharing stories of their loved ones , often becoming friends . Many attend our Memorial Mass on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a . m . in All Saints Chapel . Our Afternoon of Remembrance Prayer Service and reception each December gathers the faithful to pray for and remember lo ved ones buried during the previous 18 months .
Our sacred grounds are named after Our Blessed Mother , angels and saints . In our prominent Veterans ’ Section , the Military Plaza proudly displays the American flag surrounded by military branch monuments . Funerals include military honors , taps
|
and the presentation of the American flag to the family by the color guard . On Veterans Day and Memorial Day , thousands of flags wave on veterans ’ burial sites . Over 800 people gather on our expansive lawn for the Veterans Tribute and Memorial Day Masses . |
Site Developments
Current and future development include two outdoor niche areas : St . Robert and St . Francis of Assisi , new cremation gardens , a second mausoleum , a St . Mary ’ s section , and additional Veterans niches .
Consider making a free appointment . Our pre-need counselors listen to your wishes , discuss burial options , and provide a tour . Properties may be put on hold while you and your family discuss your decision . You may opt to pay in full or choose a zero-interest finance plan with savings opportunities . A Catholic Funeral Plan™ is available .
|
Our counselors may meet at your home or parish , if requested .
What a beautiful gift of peace of mind when your funeral plans , property , and wishes for Catholic funeral services are in place and documented . This legacy and gift to your loved ones removes the burden of decisions , financial demands , and the urgency of choosing your final resting place . We are here to assist you .
Call ( 650 ) 428-3730 or visit our web site at www . ccdsj . org . Attend a free preplanning workshop in your area or host one at your parish by contacting Kathy Fanger ( 650 ) 428-3730 x508 .
|
|
Wednesday , December 21 , will mark the fourth year for Saint Thomas of Canterbury Parish ’ s Longest Night Prayer Service , sponsored by the parish ’ s Bereavement Support Ministry .
December comes with conflicting feelings for many people . Shopping malls , workplaces , and our homes can be filled with Christmas songs that presume the season to be a joyful time for all . However , for those who have lost a loved one , the season often heightens the sense of emptiness brought on by that loss . When everyone seems to be singing Joy to the World , those who still grieve might feel left out of the song . The time before Christmas can be a season of opposing emotions .
Four years ago , Saint Thomas began the Longest Night Prayer Service to
|
recognize that Advent and Christmas is a difficult time for some people . December 21 is the longest night of the year — the Winter Solstice —, and the sadness and emptiness that comes from grief can seem for many to be like the longest night . The prayer acknowledges that feeling sad and empty while others seem happy and joyful is okay .
The pastor , Father Dave Mercer , says , “ At our first Longest Night Prayer Service before Christmas of 2013 , a woman whose husband died a month beforehand came , sat toward the back , and cried nonstop . One of our bereavement team members , Frank , whose wife had died years before , simply sat with her and held her hand . Seeing that while leading the prayer , I knew that the prayer service was meeting a real need .
|
“ I also met a man who told me he came to remember a friend who died forty years earlier . That told me that the long night of grief can last a lifetime .
“ After that Christmas , my elderly mother ’ s health began to decline . When she died in May , I experienced the emptiness and sadness of grief like I never had before . When December came around , I felt the conflict of mixed emotions that can be part of the Holiday season . Our Longest Night Prayer Service that year was as much for me as it was for anyone else in the church that evening .”
The service begins at 7 p . m ., and all ( parishioners and nonparishioners , Catholics and non-Catholics ) are welcome . As folks arrive , they receive a candle and a heart and are asked to
|
write their loved one ’ s name on the heart before placing both in front of the altar . Prayer continues for about half an hour and is based on vespers , the Church ’ s evening prayer , using the Psalms which are wonderful for acknowledging the range of emotions we feel in life , including sadness and emptiness .
Song , moments of silence , Scripture , and a short reflection complete the prayer service . And yet , some who gather prefer simply to listen quietly . When prayer has ended , people may take their candles and hearts to be part of the Christmas setting in their homes . The Bereavement Support Ministry team then offers the hospitality of a simple snack in the hall and a chance to talk with others about the loved one they miss at Christmastime .
|
Wednesday • December 21 • 7:00 pm | |
St . Thomas of Canterbury | |
A service of strength and hope |
Catholic Church |
for people whose sadness and grief |
1522 McCoy Avenue |
before Christmas |
San Jose |
is like the longest night |
408-378-1585 |
Bring a friend • Bring yourself • All are welcome |
www . stcsj . org on Facebook , too |