Here are some poignant images capturing the fitting and prayerful interment of cremated mortal remains at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Lansing of those whose ashes have gone uncollected over the past year from the University of Michigan’s Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office as well as local funeral homes. Requiescant in pace.
"As Catholics we believe in the inherent dignity of every single person. We are called by the Lord to treat everyone with the dignity that they're due as sons and daughters of God,” explained Deacon Jim Collom of Saint Martha parish in Okemos who presided at the service of committal, October 30.
“And so, it's our duty to ensure that those individuals that don't have someone to see to their final disposition, that we step up and help them, pray for them, to entrust them into the care of our Lord. That's our job and duty as Catholic Christians.”
The annual service is organized by Brian Epkey, Director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of Lansing; the Staff at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery; and Deacon Collom who was assisted this year by Father Joe Campbell, Chaplain to Lansing Catholic High School, who was joined by a prayerful band of students from Lansing Catholic.
In total the cremated mortal remains of 35 deceased persons were interred this year: 32 adults and 3 infants.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
