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November 5, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
Catholic Cemeteries: We Pray for the Souls of Our Brothers and Sisters
By Laura Schemmel, Outreach
“There is no greater love than this, that a
man should lay down his life for his friend.”
John 15:13
As Catholics, we have just celebrated
All Saints Day and All Souls Day. All
Souls Day is a time to commemorate all the
faithful departed in purgatory and follows
All Saints Day which commemorates the
church’s triumphant of saints in heaven.
Next week we again commemorate a select
group of individuals who have laid down
their life, along with those who are still liv-
ing, who joined a military force to protect
the freedom and justice of our country - our
veterans.
Veterans Day, November 11, is a
time for us to pay our respects to those
who have served. For one day, we stand
united in respect for you, our veterans.
Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Calvary
Cemetery will have many visitors over
the next week adorning the graves of
their loved ones who committed their
service to this country and sacrificed
for the common good. Catholic Cem-
eteries holds several events throughout
the year to honor the veterans who
have died.
Veterans are buried throughout our
cemeteries. However, Gate of Heaven
Cemetery also has a beautiful section
designated for veterans with a pavilion
where a monument for each branch
of the military stands. This year, we
have expanded this section with ad-
ditional in-ground and niche burial
locations. On December 14th, we will
again honor these veterans by placing
wreaths and flags on over 2,000 graves
as we join with American Legion
Stevens Creek Post #642 celebrating
the nationwide event, Wreaths Across
America. There will be a ceremony
with speakers Steve Thompson and
Denny Weisgerber, U.S. Marines, and
other presentations followed by volun-
teers of Scouts and individuals placing
wreaths. If you would like to contribute
by volunteering your time or giving a
financial contribution of $15 to spon-
sor a wreath, please visit the website,
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org .
Quite often, our families share sto-
ries about their loved ones and why
they chose Gate of Heaven’s Veterans
Section as their final resting place.
Charlie Long’s daughter, Elizabeth
Best, shared that her father converted
to Catholicism before he married her
mother. His Catholic faith was very
important to him. He was also very
proud of his military service. When
his wife became ill Charlie and Eliza-
beth started to look for a forever home
for her parents. After visiting several
cemeteries in the Bay Area, Elizabeth
stated, “Charlie felt peace and tran-
quility as he entered Gate of Heaven
Cemetery and knew this was the place
he wanted them to be.” Over the years,
Charlie befriended many other visi-
tors to the Veterans Section – sharing
their personal stories and their faith
that one day they would be with their
loved ones in heaven. This story and so
many others reinforce our faith in life
everlasting and the sacrifice so many
brothers and sisters have made along
with their loved ones. This is a time to
remember and pray for your family,
friends, neighbors and all those who
have served our country.
Upcoming Workshops
Planning a Christian Funeral
November 16 from 10 – 12 p.m., at Saint
Nicholas Church – Saint Nicholas Hall,
473 Lincoln Avenue, Los Altos.
Presenters will include Father Chris-
topher Bennett and representatives
from Catholic Cemeteries and a local
funeral home.
The Vigil, Funeral Mass and Com-
mittal (graveside service) each have
distinct purposes in the journey toward
healing and wholeness. Come learn
about the Church’s comforting Catholic
rituals and prayers and the services
and options offered through a funeral
home and Catholic Cemeteries.
Anticipating the Holidays
- Consolation of Grief
November 23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
at Saint Joseph of Cupertino Community
Center, 10110 N. DeAnza Blvd. Cupertino.
Presenter: Father Christopher Ben-
nett. Holidays often accentuate the grief
and sadness experienced when a loved
one dies. Father Chris shares scripture
and personal stories, peaceful slides and
music. This interactive workshop offers
strength, hope, and helpful suggestions
toward healing and wholeness this
holiday season.
Contact our office, (833) 677-9644,
[email protected], for more informa-
tion about Wreaths Across America and
additional events Catholic Cemeteries
is offering through the end of this year.
Bishop Cantú Celebrates Red Mass at Santa Clara University – Bishop Oscar Cantú,
left, joined interim Santa Clara University Provost Lisa Kloppenerg, SCU President Kevin
O’Brien, S.J. and Deacon Richard Nowak for the Red Mass on October 24 at the University.
Kloppenberg was honored with the Saint Thomas More Society Award. She is Dean and
Professor of Law at Santa Clara University. The award is sponsored by the Saint Thomas
More Society of Santa Clara County, which is dedicated to enhancing the spiritual lives of
its members and promoting the principles and ideals of Saint Thomas More, the patron
saint of lawyers and politicians.
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