From pre-arrangement for burial through grief support following the death of a loved one, a session recently hosted at St. Patrick's Parish, Kansas City, Kan., covered a range of topics. Robert W. Chenoweth, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries, was among presenters and encourages other parishes to contact his office to arrange a similar program.

At the Saturday, Nov. 5 session at St. Patrick's, Msgr. Michael Mullen, pastor, welcomed guests. Chenoweth discussed pre-arrangements, the role of the funeral home, what family members should do when someone dies and burial at the cemetery or entombment in a mausoleum. He said that Catholic Cemeteries family service counselors offer a helpful checklist that summarizes vital statistics required; bills to anticipate from different sources; documents to be collected; actual arrangements; and persons to be notified.

Chenoweth said that Catholic Cemeteries encourages individuals to pre-arrange as many details as possible to relieve the burden for other family members at the time of a death. The Catholic Cemeteries family service counselors provide clients with a "personal reference file" to organize details that will require attention.

During the program at St. Patrick's, Msgr. Mullen discussed the wake service and the funeral including an explanation of symbols and how family members can be involved. Melissa Jakmouj, music director at the parish, offered suggestions about planning the music, singers and readings. Theresa Smith, who works with parish adult faith formation, discussed grief support.

To arrange and coordinate a similar program, representatives of parish organizations should contact Chenoweth at Catholic Cemeteries, 913-371-4040. Catholic Cemeteries manages and maintains seven cemeteries in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties. For more information, visit www.catholiccemeterieskc.org.

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