Resurrection, hope, and finding peace at the end of life. These are all central to our Christian faith.
Our belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ provides hope in the face of death since his resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power over death and a promise of eternal life for those who have faith in him.
Christians’ hope is not just vague optimism but a confident expectation based on the historical event of Jesus’ resurrection. This hope gives us assurance that death is not the end but a transition to a new and glorious existence in the presence of God. It provides comfort and peace in the face of mortality, knowing that there is something beyond this earthly life.
For Catholics, the sacraments play an essential role in preparing for the end of life and finding peace. The sacraments of reconciliation, anointing of the sick, and the Eucharist provide spiritual healing, strength, and nourishment for the journey towards eternal life.
In such times, the importance of the Catholic cemetery and its ministry of consolation (bereavement support, aftercare, and connecting people to parishes for extended and ongoing pastoral care) should not be underestimated. The Catholic cemetery can provide education and comfort for those in distress about death.’
The meaningful funeral rites offered by Catholic cemeteries help convey hope in resurrection as well as preserve memory and provide a sacred space for prayer and worship. These are real gifts in our age of death anxiety and avoidance, when those who are approaching the end of earthly life and their loved ones can be offered hope and healing through the Christian perspective on death and meaningful rituals to help individuals and communities navigate the grieving process
On the following pages, you will find information on making pre-arrangements and the importance of preparing for death and eternal life from a Catholic perspective. You will also find information about Gardens of Gethsemani’s newest development, a hope-filled Stations of the Resurrection known as the Way of Light.
We look forward to having you at our Open House on Friday, April 5, where Archbishop J. Michael Miller will celebrate Mass at 4 pm
Afterward will be the blessing of the new Stations of the Resurrection – the Way of Light (also known as the Via Lucis). This will be the first Friday of Easter, and this devotion is a powerful commemoration of the time from Christ’s resurrection to the ascension and then descent of the Holy Spirit. We have also refurbished the Stations of the Cross.
Schedule
Friday, April 5
10 am - 6 pm: Open House, Mass & Way of Light Blessing
10 am - 3 pm: Guided Tours on the Hour & Appointment Bookings at Office
3:30 pm - 4 pm: Seating for Mass – Enjoy the Music
4 pm - 5:15 pm: Mass with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, at Evangelist Chapel
5:15 pm - 5:45 pm: Blessing by Archbishop J. Miller of the new Way of Light section
5:45 pm - 6 pm: Light Refreshments Available at Holy Angels III Building
Saturday, April 6
9 am - 4 pm: Open House Extends
9 am - 4 pm: Appointment Bookings at Office
10 am - 3 pm: Guided Tour on the Hour
For more information visit rccav.org/event/fall-open-house.