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National Catholic Cemeteries Conference coming to Phoenix
By Rebecca Bostic, The Catholic Sun
September 20, 2007
Burial of the dead is one of the corporal works of mercy defined by the Catholic Church. It is a service that members of the Catholic Cemeteries Conference — the oldest and largest Catholic cemetery association in the nation — take very seriously.
Cemetery directors and employees of the national conference will gather in Phoenix to learn, discuss and encourage one another Sept. 19-22 at the 58th annual Catholic Cemeteries Conference Convention and Exhibition.
“The conference helps Catholic cemetery staff enhance their skills in caring for the deceased and comforting their loved ones through ministry, education, networking and service opportunities,” said Sidney Cristol, executive director of the conference.
The organization was founded in 1949 and has more than 1,200 members throughout the United States, Australia, Italy and Guam.
“Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuary of the Diocese of Phoenix has an amazing cemetery tour in store for us — steeped in rich Catholic tradition and coupled with their very special blend of that great southwestern hospitality,” Cristol said.
Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas will speak at the opening general session on how Catholic cemeteries are part of the faith tradition. Other speakers will address more specific field-related subjects like marketing, promotion and the importance of Catholic funeral rites.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will welcome the Catholic Cemeteries Conference convention participants via video and will celebrate the final Mass at the convention.
Gary Brown, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of Phoenix, anticipates the Mass with the bishop will be one of the convention’s highlights. He is also excited to provide tours of the Diocese of Phoenix cemeteries and mortuary for the convention participants.
“It is a great honor,” Brown said. “We look forward to showing off the good works of our staff to industry professionals from other areas of the nation and the world.”
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