Bereavement An annual supplement of The Monitor
MAY 31, 2018 • TrentonMonitor.com
When Hope Turns to Hospice
How not to shy away from offering support
Middletown couple uses first-hand experience to help pregnant couples cope with terminal diagnosis of babies
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t is difficult enough to lose a child, but receiving a terminal diagnosis for your unborn child can result in an unprecedented sense of grief. Advancements in prenatal testing mean more families are dealing with the realization that their unborn child may not live long outside the womb, if at all.
Only recently have perinatal hospice and palliative care support groups been made available to help families navigate through this difficult time, providing medical, emotional and spiritual support, beginning with diagnosis and through the child’s death. Perinatal hospice is a model of care that begins during pregnancy and, along with palliative care, provides families with a compassionate means of celebrating the gift of their child and honoring their child’s life, however brief. Barbara Keith and her family know all too well how difficult that can be. Keith, a lifelong member of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, and her husband, Ian, were given the devastating news
The Value of Life
Barbara Keith and her husband, Ian, wear T-shirts from their nonprofit, Joan’s Reach, which provides educational materials and care packages to doctors to support families who receive difficult diagnoses in times of pregnancy. Photo courtesy of Barbara Keith
Keith admitted that the couple received little to no healthcare guidance once they decided to proceed with the pregnancy and birth. “Most healthcare providers we encountered had never heard of perinatal hospice care,” she said. “Some doctors seemed to minimize the value of our unborn baby’s life once she was diagnosed with a chromosome disorder that causes profound mental and physical challenges.” But the Keiths never wavered in their decision to see the pregnancy through. “Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis and the desire for the anguish to end, I knew that termination would not take away the pain, but only make it worse,” Keith said. “Once we heard about perinatal hospice, it felt like a big weight was lifted,” she continued. “We wanted to be able to be parents to our child. For us, that meant providing for her, even if it was only going to be for a short time.” Unfortunately, the baby died while Keith was in her ninth month of preg-
halfway through her pregnancy in 2011 that their unborn daughter had Trisomy 18, a rare chromosome disorder. The Keiths were told that their baby, Joan, would likely not survive and that perhaps they should consider an abortion. That was never an option, as the couple was determined “to continue to carry and care for Joan until her natural death in whatever time God decided,” Barbara Keith said.
Valeria Aksakova, Freepik photo
By Dubravka Kolumbic-Cortese, Correspondent
“I knew that termination would not take away the pain, but only make it worse.” nancy. She was induced and gave birth to Joan, giving the couple a chance to fulfill their wish of holding their daughter and seeing her face. It was cathartic for the Keiths, who also found a charitable organization that takes sensitive photos of infants in such situations. It was a way for them to create memories of their daughter, memories they could share with the two children they’ve since been blessed with. The missed memories are what make losing a child even more difficult, Keith said. “You’re not only grieving the loss of the person that’s close to you,” she said. “You’re grieving for all the memories you won’t get to have with them, all the different milestones you’ll miss.” Joan would have been seven this year. “By creating memories while I was pregnant with her, and creating memories when she was born, it gives us something to hold on to, just like you would rely on the memories of your other loved ones when they pass away,” Keith said. See Perinatal hospice • S3
It can be uncomfortable to broach the topic of a terminal diagnosis of an unborn child with the family. Barbara Keith offers the following advice for friends and families who don’t know what to say or do in such a situation. Parents who have recently received a life-limiting diagnosis for their unborn child will be devastated, grieving for the healthy baby they had hoped for, and will have difficulty absorbing information in a period of initial shock. Realize that parents who are continuing a pregnancy with a life-limiting diagnosis are not just distraught and struggling, but are also embracing the joy and love for their child. They likely want to be treated as you normally would and without pity. Realize that parents may be preparing for their baby’s birth and death at the same time. It is a time of complicated emotions. Don’t focus on just the diagnosis or loss. Sensitively ask about their baby, if they’ve chosen a name, how they are spending their precious time together, what their wishes are. Offer prayers and support. In many ways, it is not much different than caring for any terminally ill family member. Avoid platitudes. Though well-meaning, phrases like “God only gives you what you can handle” and “It’s God’s will” are typically not helpful or comforting to hear. Don’t shy away. The experience can be very isolating for parents. If you are not sure what to say or do, be honest. Reach out anyway. Just knowing you are in someone’s thoughts and prayers is comforting.
INSIDE:
Listening key to bereavement ministry … 2 First responder pens book on EMT career … 4 Young can understand death with adult guidance … 5 Pastoral care training sessions slated … 6
S2 Bereavement
THE MONITOR • MAY 31, 2018
Listening is the key to ministry of bereaved Story by Christina Leslie, Correspondent
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oris Hudak has learned a few valuable lessons during her 35 years in the field of bereavement ministry, the most important of which is that finding the right words to say to survivors after the death of a loved one is not the most important goal. “It is important to have someone who listens to serve as a sounding board,” she said. “We must promise we will be there on their journey no matter how long it takes.” Hudak’s own bereavement journey began in 1983 upon her graduation from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, with an associate degree in human services. While serving as a hospice volunteer with Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, she recognized the need to minister to the patients’ loved ones as well. “I started to work with senior citizens, the volunteers in the nutrition program, that were sick and dying. I had thought, ‘That’s where I’ll find the words,’ but I didn’t know what to say to them,” Hudak admitted. “There were a lot of people helping people die, but not that much about helping the survivors, no followup after the funeral.” After speaking with other bereavement ministers, attending seminars and reading literature in the field, Hudak created a first-of-its-kind bereavement manual she shared with New Jersey funeral directors. She was invited by the Board of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved (NCMB) to give training seminars and to serve as its chair of fundraising and special events. Hudak’s NCMB manual was named as the official manual of the Trenton Diocese, and she was honored by Bishop Emeritus John M. Smith for her work. The
For a list of bereavement ministries in the Diocese, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/bereavement-ministry
document, written in English and Spanish, was adopted by numerous parishes of the Diocese, including her own, St. Mary, in Colts Neck. Professionally, Hudak returned to work for Brookdale Community College as a cooperative education coordinator, and later served for more than 20 years with its Alumni Association. She received the college’s prestigious Barringer Award in 2009, and last month was honored with the college’s Distinguished Alumni award. A member of St. Mary’s Ministry of Consolation since 1989, Hudak and other counselors meet with the bereaved nine times, including just after the funeral, a few months later and on the one-year anniversary of the loved one’s death. She has found regular group meetings and sharing one’s emotions with others aid members to travel together through the grief process. “We ask them to write about their feelings, give them homework, see that there is movement,” Hudak said. “Sometimes, if they don’t share with us, we have them do another session.”
The counselor noted one such repeat workshop attendee, a father mourning his drowned son, turned out to be one of the program’s success stories. “He was a basket case,” Hudak said frankly. “He didn’t participate or do any writing. After the initial nine weeks, he decided to do an additional nine. We could see the grief passing. He did the work and eventually took over from me to run the group.” She continued, “If people don’t move [through the grief process], they can be grieving for years and years. They have to stop thinking about what was lost, and think about what they have.” An unexpected absence of a fellow counselor also had positive results, Hudak recalled. “During one session, we had two groups of widows, divided into young ones and older ones. One week, the nun who ran one of the groups was not there, so I had to run both groups,” she said. “Afterward, one of the widows who had been married a long time told me she had really absorbed what the young widows said, and told me it had helped her appreciate how lucky she was with her long marriage. Two of those widows have gone on to volunteer with the group.” Now approaching 89 years old, Hudak has stepped back from running the larger St. Mary Parish bereavement group, but still occasionally ministers to those in need either via telephone or one-on-one meetings. Whether ministering to one or to a group of mourners, her message has remained the same: listen. “People talk to me on the phone or at the parish,” she said. “I listen and tell them what they are feeling is normal grief.” The semi-retired Hudak is nonetheless preparing to someday ease the bereavement journey of one last group of beloved mourners: her children. “I’m putting together my obituary, and even picked out the dress I want to wear,” Hudak said. “It is important to let my children, the survivors, not wonder about, ‘What would Mom have wanted?’”
During Memorial Day Mass, faithful remember dearly departed, offer prayers for peace in the world By Rose O’Connor, Correspondent
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e gather together to celebrate the memory of those who gave their lives in defense of our country. We pray together the greatest prayer on the face of the earth, the holy sacrifice of the Mass,” Msgr. James H. Dubell said as he welcomed the faithful to the annual Memorial Day Mass celebrated May 26 in St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hamilton. In his homily, Msgr. Dubell, a retired priest of the Diocese and former diocesan director of cemeteries, recalled his memories of families, friends and parishioners who suffered the devastation and tragedies of war. “Freedom is something that is purchased and maintained at a great price. We appreciate our freedom all the more when we celebrate days like Memorial Day,” he said. “We are a people of hope, and we believe in the Resurrection; we believe in a life hereafter; we believe that death is not the final answer, [but] rather that Christ rose from the dead and promised Resurrection to all who follow and believe in him. “So on this Memorial Day as we remember not only our veterans, but all of our beloved deceased, we pray that we ourselves will live by the Ten Commandments, that we will make good choices and follow the
To view more photos, visit TrentonMonitor.com> Multimedia>Photo Galleries Gifts of the Holy Spirit and that we ourselves will be peacemakers in our world.” Following Mass, Msgr. Dubell placed a wreath at the base of the flagpole as bagpipes were played to honor those whose lives were lost in war. “This Mass is always special to me. This is our Catholic cemetery and an extension of our sanctuary. It’s very special to offer the Mass in the spirit of hope for all of those who grieve for their beloved deceased,” Msgr. Dubell shared at the conclusion of Mass. Mark Wilson, current director of the diocesan Office of Cemeteries, commented on the blessing it was to have Msgr. Dubell celebrate the Memorial Day Mass once again in the diocesan cemetery and mausoleum. “We ask him every year to celebrate with us, and every year his only answer is, ‘Yes.’ We love having him here to celebrate Mass with us,” Wilson said. Faithful in attendance appreciated the opportunity to spend part of the national holiday in a See Memorial Day • S3
GATHERED IN PRAYER • Msgr. Dubell celebrates a Memorial Day Mass May 26 in St. Mary Mausoleum, Hamilton, during which participants prayed for the repose of their dearly departed and to offer thanks for those who serve in the military.
Bereavement S3
MAY 31, 2018 • TrentonMonitor.com
Perinatal hospice provides hope Continued from • S1
A Much-Needed Ministry Keith said she was shocked at how she and her husband’s decision to not terminate the pregnancy was more of an oddity than the norm. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the parents who might make a rushed decision to end their pregnancy, while still in a state of shock and despair,” she said, “or worse, follow a doctor’s recommendation not knowing that there was support for carrying to term.” As a result, they started Joan’s Reach, a nonprofit that provides educational materials and care packages to doctors that can give families information on their options and support during this difficult time. The goal, Keith said, is to make such care standard in hospitals, to have teams of professionals available to guide families through difficult pregnancies. “I always knew Joan’s life had a profound purpose,” Keith said. “She guides me every step of the way with Joan’s Reach. I am told often how needed this ministry is.” “We both felt that Joan was with us for a reason,” she continued, “and we would do our best to provide for her unique needs for as long as she was
with us, even if that meant giving her a brief life full of love and a peaceful natural death. Joan’s life was entrusted to us as her parents. It was not for us to decide when and how Joan’s life would end. Our purpose was to love, comfort and care for Joan until that day came. We faced different challenges than most new parents, but we loved our child just the same.”
Memorial Day Continued from • S2
prayerful setting. Jennifer Sowa of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, who attended the Mass with her parents and husband, Chris, said the Memorial Day Mass provided her with an opportunity to reflect on the 20 years her father served in the Navy, and tours during World War II and the Korean War. Robert and Janet Perilli of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, wanted to pay their respects to their parents, who are buried in St. Mary Cemetery. Noting that their respective fathers had served in the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, Janet Perilli said, “We try to come every year to this Memorial Day Mass. It’s just very nice.”
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THE MONITOR • MAY 31, 2018
First responder’s second book features stories of grief, faith, laughter Story by Lois Rogers, Correspondent
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fter a successful first book on courage in the face of fear and grieving, Spring Lake first responder Andrea Jo Rodgers is back with “On Heaven’s Doorstep: God’s Help in Times of Crisis,” which features 30 true stories. “On Heaven’s Doorstep,” just out from the Christian publishing company, Harvest House, is the sequel to Rodgers’ popular first book, “At Heaven’s Edge,” which has been captivating readers around the country since 2015 – and no wonder. Rodgers, an active member of Spring Lake’s St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, has a way with words and a gift for recognizing stories that move the heart and inspire the reader. In her 30 plus years as a volunteer
Reading for Younger Crowd In addition to the mix of sad, uplifting and bittersweet true life stories of first responders, Andrea Jo Rodgers has two middle-grade adventure books: “Saving Mount Rushmore: St. Michael the Archangel Academy, Mission 1” for 8-to-12-year-olds has been released by Harvest House. The second book in this genre, “Saving the Statue of Liberty” is due out in 2019.
EMT, she’s responded to more than 7,500 emergency first-aid and fire calls – and she’s managed to do so while earning a string of degrees in the medical field, including a clinical doctorate in physical therapy, working full time in that field and raising 12-year-old twins, Lily and Thomas, with her husband. In sharing what inspired her to do another book on the same subject, Rodgers said, “There were so many stories I wanted to include in the first book and there wasn’t enough room.” Rodgers began keeping a journal on the emergency calls at the suggestion of her mother. Both books reflect calls she went on in the early years of her service with the squad, and she hopes readers will be “comforted by the stories, maybe recognize a familiar situation in them or realize that they are not alone in what they are going through.” “Some of the stories reflect what I consider to be miracles. Some are sad but faith-filled, and others are humorous,” she said, adding that among the
“On Heaven’s Doorstep: God’s Help in Times of Crisis” features 30 true stories of first responders in the Spring Lake area. Courtesy photos
latter is the story of an accident the team witnessed and responded to, mistaking the melting ice cream on the dashboard and windshield for blood. The faith-filled stories she presents include glimpses into the most bittersweet moments in life when families, friends and emergency volunteers must rely upon their trust in God as they help ease patients into eternal life. Rodgers
said she feels blessed to be able to share these stories, which have deepened her own faith. She hopes they will do the same for those who read the books. As in the first book, the 30 stories in “On Heaven’s Doorstep” are true, but she has changed the names of the people Andrea Jo and places for privacy. Rodgers The only two names she didn’t change were her own and that of her husband, Rick, who she said, has been very supportive of her blossoming literary career as a proofreader, and the creator of her website, business cards and bookmarks. She also changed the name of the town from Spring Lake to Pine Cove. That was this reviewer’s only regret while reading the books that so positively reflect the character and atmosphere of the town you’d like people to know is a real area on the Jersey Shore. Rodgers will be on hand for presentations and book signings in the following locations: 10 a.m.-noon, June 9, Sea Girt Library; 2 p.m. June 22, Wall Library, 7 p.m. July 12, Manasquan Library. For more information on Rodgers, visit www.andreajorodgers.com.
ADVERTORIAL
Mount Laurel Home for Funerals Combines Compassion with Convenience in Planning State’s Largest Funeral Facility
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ike many industries, the funeral industry has had to keep up with and actually stay ahead of the changing needs of society, as well as the personal needs of its clients. St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel, parishioner and long-time Monitor advertiser David J. Petaccio, owner and Senior Director of the Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, has been doing both since opening its doors in 1992. “We believe that being innovative and staying ahead of the trends has long been a key to our success,” Petaccio says. “We didn’t know anyone in town when we moved here, so we had to develop a way of getting to know the people of our community. I considered what information might benefit residents prior to experiencing a death in the family. That was the beginning of my hosting seminars on pre-planning at our funeral home, which not only brought families into our facility, but also assisted them in being emotionally and financially prepared in the event of a death. Soon, area companies, churches, and other organizations were inviting me to speak on this topic. To this day, we still host pre-planning seminars, but now we also discuss such topics as grief support, estate planning, hospice care and cremation.” Mount Laurel Home for Funerals was also ahead of the curve regarding cremation, with more than half of Americans
now selecting this option rather than a traditional burial.* “As soon as the Church began to allow cremation,” says Petaccio, “we began advising our Catholic clients on the Church’s guidelines and policies. My son and General Manager David has written and posted to our website an exten(Left to right) Owner, Senior Director David J. Petaccio, Sr., Funeral Director Joseph M. sive overview of those guidelines for Gigliotti, General Manager David J. Petaccio, Jr. with Chester, and Funeral Directors Lisa McDermott, John P. Napoli Catholics considering cremation. SevThe Largest Funeral Home eral churches in the Diocese have invited us in New Jersey in to present these guidelines to the parish.” “We’re excited to announce that last Last year, Chester, a King Charles month, we broke ground on what will Cavalier Spaniel therapy dog, joined the be the largest funeral home in the state,” staff and sits with families during arrangesays General Manager David J. Petaccio, ment conferences. “Families will request Jr. Planned to open in the spring of 2019, Chester be present during the service, the facility promises to assist mourners in as well,” Petaccio says. “He has a knack every way, from a hospitality room to host for knowing who needs the most comluncheons (once the state allows the serving fort. Families who have never even met of food) to simulcasting viewings and funerus ask for Chester when they come in, als around the world, to allowing video calls and people remember him long after the from anywhere. service is over.”
“We’ll still have a full-sized casket showroom and we’ll also offer the state’s largest cremation urn showroom, a chapel, and a large foyer and gathering space for guests to mingle,” says Petaccio. “According to a survey done by The Director magazine, the foyer is now considered the most important room of a funeral home. Most funeral homes are converted houses without large gathering spaces,” he says. “We’ll also have the largest parking lot in South Jersey. Now that funerals are becoming larger, due in part to social media, parking has become very important to our families.” The Funeral Home will continue its offering of Forget-Me-Not seed packets with the words “Forever in Our Heart” found in a large glass vase in the foyer to those who visit. The funeral home has become the seed company’s largest purveyor, the staff noted. The Petaccio Family was recently recognized by Mount Laurel Township for its “dedication, loyalty, and faithful service to the Township of Mount Laurel” and was presented with a plaque by the Mayor. Says Petaccio, “We have always put the needs of our Church, our community, our clients, and our guests at the forefront of our service and of our lives.” * National Funeral Directors Association
Bereavement S5
MAY 31, 2018 • TrentonMonitor.com
THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME
Mary Regina Morrell
There is wisdom in helping a child learn about death “When we shy away from death, the ever-changing nature of things, we inevitably shy away from life.” ~ M. Scott Peck
my promise to be her abuela forever, even after I was gone, was lesson enough at the time.
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othing brings with it more opportunities for joy, and the unexpected, than spending time with your grandchild. On Easter morning, my five-year-old granddaughter brought me a toy that was not working. She asked me to change the batteries, but we needed a special screwdriver and not one of her uncles knew where this magical tool might be. I smiled at her and told her I just happened to have the very thing we needed. Then I opened the closet door and pulled out a small pack of miniature screw drivers. Her eyes widened in surprise that I was able to deliver the goods. “I’m amazing, aren’t I?” I laughed, and in all seriousness she looked up at me, shaking her head yes, and said, “I wish you would never die. I wish you were like Jesus so you could be my abuela forever.” I could have used the moment for catechetical instruction, but I believed my hug around her little shoulders and
“By sharing our feelings, we encourage children to share their own…” This was the third time in as many days that she had mentioned she didn’t want me to die. It brought back memories of my fourth son who, at a similar age, laid down on the couch for no apparent reason and began to cry. I asked him several times what was wrong before he eventually blurted out, “I don’t want you to die!” What prompted his thoughts about my death remains a mystery, but psychologists report that children begin to come to grips with the concept of death between the ages of four to eight. Of course, every child learns in their own time, but at some point they begin to understand the permanence and inevitability of death; that, contrary to what they see in cartoons or movies, those
who have died do not come back to life. They will begin to grasp that people die from physical causes and that, upon death, the human body no longer functions. Psychologists also stress that children must be given the opportunity, through simple and direct explanation of the natural cycle of life, to fully understand these concepts, and it is the children who often inspire these conversations through their own questions and comments. Fred Rogers, from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, believed that death should be talked about with children. He faced the subject on his show, talking about the death of a fallen bird, his gold fish, and his beloved dog. Rogers wrote, “Just being close to our children and being willing to listen to their concerns about death – or anything else – allows them to know that they can mention difficult things to us and we’ll respect their ‘wonderings’ and be as honest and helpful as we know how.” Being close to our children also allows us to share how our faith in God and our love of Jesus enables us to be sad in the face of death and hopeful at the same time. By sharing our feelings,
we encourage children to share their own; by sharing the power of faith in our lives, and our own limited understanding of ourselves as both mortal body and immortal souls, we open the doors to children’s questions and encourage their own learning process. On the website of the Orthodox Church of America, Dr. Albert Rossi and Father John Schimchick wrote, “In moments of death impacting a child, the adult will feel inept and without the ‘right words.’ These are special, grace filled moments precisely because the adult is keenly aware of human inadequacy. Enter God. This is a ‘moment of opportunity’ for the adult to turn to God, beg for help, and rely upon his infinitely wise guidance.” To read more, go to oca.org and search under family life for “Talking to Children About Death.” Also visit fredrogers.org, an article about helping children, entitled “Dealing with Death.” Mary Morrell is the former managing editor of The Monitor and an award-winning writer, editor and educator working at Wellspring Communications. She can be reached at mary.wellspring@yahoo.com, and read at her blog, “God Talk and Tea.”
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3795 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 609-587-0170 Kimberly M. Saul–Bowne, CFSP, Manager N.J. Lic. No. 4110 www.saulfuneralhomes.com
Saul Memorial Home 1740 Greenwood Avenue Hamilton, NJ 08609 609-587-8221
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THE MONITOR • MAY 31, 2018
Pastoral Care training program to begin in fall
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he Diocese’s pastoral care training program set to begin in the fall will include sessions required for those interested in bereavement ministry. The training, which will be held on the grounds of St. Veronica Parish, 4215 Highway 9 North, Howell, will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to bereavement, the sessions are encouraged for visitors of the sick, hospital or homebound visitors, jail or prison volunteers, family caregivers, extraordinary ministers of
Holy Communion in nursing homes or hospitals, separated and divorced group ministers, Elizabeth ministers, Stephen ministers and parish pastoral ministers. Sessions marked with an asterisk are required as preparation for leadership in parish-based bereavement or separated and divorced ministries. The schedule is as follows:
Spirituality: Love of God, Neighbor and Self.” • Day 2, Dec. 15: Morning session three, “Pastoral Visits: The Nuts and Bolts of the Pastoral Encounter”; afternoon session four, “Pastoral Care “Rituals for Laypersons: Rites for Holy Communion and the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying.”
• Day 1, Nov. 17: Morning session one, “Pastoral Theology: Understanding Suffering & the Healing Mission of Jesus”; afternoon session two, “Pastoral
• Day 3, Jan. 13, 2019: Morning session five, “Pastoral Presence & The Art of Holy Listening: Part I (Skills)”; afternoon session six, “Pastoral Presence & The Art of Holy Listening: Part II (Skills).”
St. Anselm Church
• Day 4, Feb. 2: Morning session seven, “Pastoral Care of the Dying: Companions on the Journey Home”; afternoon session eight, “Pastoral Care in the Face of Loss: Ministry to the Grieving.”
1028 Wayside Road • Tinton Falls 732-493-4411 x102 sandystanselm@aol.com
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
• Day 5, March 2: Morning session nine, “Pastoral Care via Parish SupportGroups: Best Practices”; afternoon session 10, “Pastoral Care of Families Planning Christian Funerals.”
Meet every third Thursday each month at 7pm
• Day 6, April 6: Morning session 11, “Pastoral Care in Mental Health, Aging, Disabilities & Cultural Contexts”;
afternoon session 12, “Pastoral Care Matters: The Law, Ethics & End-of-Life Healthcare Bioethics.” Makeup date, April 13, for all sessions missed due to inclement weather. Persons with counseling or social work backgrounds may be excused from sessions five and six, at the discretion of the program administrator. Those preparing for any parish pastoral ministry are strongly encouraged to take the entire program for the best preparation. The base price is $30; full program for one person (12 sessions) is $330 (one free workshop); full program for two plus from same parish $300 (two free workshops); full bereavement training for one person (six sessions) $165 or full bereavement training for two plus from same parish $150 (one free workshop). Registration includes a three-ring binder, books, workshops, coffee and water. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch and snacks. To register online, visit www. dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoral-care. For information, contact the Department of Pastoral Care at dsass@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7157.
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r our neighbors since Caring for our 1888 neighbors since 1888 JOSEPH C. PARELL, III, CFSP SARAH A. SUNDA JAMES G. SMITH JOSEPH C. PARELL, III, CFSP SARAH A. SUNDA JAMES G. SMITH OWNER-MANAGER DIRECTOR OWNER-DIRECTOR JOSEPH C. PARELL, III, DIRECTOR CFSP SARAH A. SUNDA JAMES G. SMITH OWNER-MANAGER OWNER-DIRECTOR N.J. Lic. # 3529 N.J. Lic. # 4570DIRECTOR N.J. Lic.OWNER-DIRECTOR # 3153 OWNER-MANAGER N.J. Lic. # 3529 N.J. Lic. # 4570 N.J. Lic. # 3153 N.J. Lic. # 3529
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MAY 31, 2018 • TrentonMonitor.com
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George S. Hassler Owner & Director NJ Lic. No. 3193
Brian T. Hassler Manager NJ Lic. No. 4054
980 Bennetts Mills Road P.O. Box 1326 Jackson Twp., New Jersey 08527
www.hasslerfuneralhome.com Phone
John M. (Mark) Arnold, Owner | N.J. Lic. No. 4236 Carmen C. Huber | N.J. Lic. No. 3983
732-364-6808
Fax
732-364-8592
S8
THE MONITOR • MAY 31, 2018
Our Diocesan Cemeteries Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery is now open for ground burials and inurnments and can provide temporary entombments during our mausoleum construction. Each of our ground spaces are double-depth and can accommodate two full casket burials. Our ground Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum Jesus, Bread of Life burial grounds burial offerings feature flat marker sections as well as upright monument St. Anthony Garden sections, Columbarium providing families with choices for their eternal resting spaces. Construction is well underway for our mausoleum which will feature 1,404 casket spaces in several different configurations; single, true companion, tandem and abbey crypts. The mausoleum will feature Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum indoor and outdoor crypts, as well as indoor and outdoor niches, and glass niches in the interior. The Diocese of Trenton operates St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, Currently operating for ground burials of casketed a 35-acre cemetery with five large mausoleums on Cedar Lane, near Olden and cremated remains, our mausoleum is under Ave., Trenton. With an endowed perpetual care fund, St. Mary Cemetery construction and at-need mausoleum families can and Mausoleum provides a sacred, well-cared for, and peaceful setting, with temporarily entomb with us during the construction in-ground burials, crypt entombments and niches for cremated remains. phase. Temporary entombments are currently at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hamilton, NJ. The diocesan Department of Catholic Cemeteries is available to the many parish cemeteries for leadership, and sees its work, not as a business, Along with our outdoor niches, the St. Anthony but a work of mercy. The office offers: Garden Columbarium opened in the spring of 2016, and offers the added choice of a garden-like Full-time personnel to arrange for dignified interment services as setting for families choosing cremation as their final part of the Christian burial ceremony disposition. Ground and building maintenance Careful record keeping FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS or to receive more specific information about availability, FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS or to receive more specific pricing, finance and payment options, please contact information about availability, pricing, finance and payment options at Deacon Ed Heffernan at 856-317-6400 or eheffe@ St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleums, please contact Erin Gallway-Blatt dioceseoftrenton.org. at 609-394-2017 or egallway@dioceseoftrenton.org. You may also download our brochure or visit our St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum website at www.jesusbreadoflife.net. 1200 Cedar Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08610 Of course, you can stop by and visit us at: Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery 3055 Fostertown Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 St. Francis Cemetery, Roebling Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611 St. Stephen Cemetery, Clover Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611 Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 1001 Old Cedar Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08610 St. Nicholas Cemetery, Olden Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611
St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mausoleum
Associated Cemeteries
Diocese of Trenton, Department of Catholic Cemeteries