Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
31
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Deacon A.J. Misiti
deaconaj@spiritofchrist.org
Precious Lives Ministry
T
he loss of a child in pregnancy or at birth
is a very difficult time for families. Often,
the child is left at the hospital without know-
ing that the precious life that died should be
placed reverently in a cemetery.
In a pro bono partnership with Catholic Fu-
neral & Cemetery Services of Northern Colora-
do, deacons officiate a monthly non-denom-
inational memorial service for the families at
Mt. Olivet. They are also available to assist the
families if they would like spiritual guidance.
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Deacon Rob Rinne
deacon.rinne@archden.org
Deacon Jim Blume
jimblume@outlook.com
Angel Beds Ministry
A
s a part of the Precious Lives Ministry, a
need surfaced for the manufacturing of
coffins, known as "Angel Beds," that provide
dignity for the tiny bodies of the deceased.
Deacons were asked to help build these cof-
fins and as usual, they stepped up in a big way.
Deacons built the coffins to help those families
who could not afford a burial otherwise. In ad-
dition to Angel Beds, small crosses are also pro-
vided as a way for families to remember their
little one. Deacons are provided with the plans
and the hardware to build the caskets, as well as
the plans for the memorial crosses. Rosaries and
blankets for the little ones are also made by vol-
unteers and provided to the families that attend.
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Deacon John Volk
deacon.john@stmarygreeley.org
Deacon Mark Wolbach
deacon.wolbach@archden.org
"
"
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Mt. 5:4
Burial and Cemetery Services Ministries
Mt. Olivet and St. Simeon Ministry
Mt. Olivet and St. Simeon Ministry
N
umerous deacons preside at Committal
Services at burials at Mt. Olivet and St.
Simeon cemeteries on an ongoing basis.
Crypt of All Souls
C
atholic Funeral & Cemetery Services have
a special ministry to assist families who
are unable to provide their loved ones a final
resting place. The Crypt of All Souls is designed
for families who may have cremated remains
at home and can't afford to lay them to rest at
the cemetery. CFCS will take them into their
care for f ree to peacefully and respectfully lay
those loved family members to rest, in accor-
dance with Church teaching. The deacons
hold a Committal Service each month at the
Crypt of All Souls and are available for spiritual
assistance if needed. Lay diocesan parishio-
ners involved with this ministry attend the
Committal Service and add their prayers to
the deacon's prayers for the deceased as they
are inurned.
