Robert Petri is a Family Service Counselor at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary in Avondale, Arizona.
Robert Petri is a Family Service Counselor at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary in Avondale, Arizona.

[dropcap type=”4″]A[/dropcap]s a Family Service Counselor at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary, I never know how many families God is going to bring though our front door each day to lay their loved ones to rest. However, I do know that it is my ministry to walk them through one of the most difficult times of their lives with the compassion, dignity, respect and love of Christ.

Working with grieving families is dear to my heart, and I consider it a privilege to be able to help them through this journey, with God and their faith at the forefront. I always begin the process by praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance, to be his instrument in their time of need. How beautiful it is as a counselor to be able to bring God into the equation to help provide strength and comfort during a time of mourning.

In my role as Family Service Counselor, I often have the opportunity to evangelize and discuss the Church’s teachings about the vigil, the funeral liturgy and the rite of committal. In providing this education, I am able to share with our families that Catholic funeral services truly are an expression of hope, reminding us that those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, await the glory of the resurrection when they will be reunited with Jesus Christ.

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Holy Cross Catholic Mortuary
9925 W. Thomas Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
(623) 936-1710
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
9925 W. Thomas Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
(623) 936-1710

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Emphasizing this message of hope and love helps give families a sense of closure about their loss so they can focus on healing in Christ. I’m always amazed at how sharing the message of God’s gift of eternal life brings out the best in people as they struggle with grief. I’ve seen God at work as his message of love touches their hearts and souls and brings them peace and comfort.

I feel blessed to get to experience the grace of God through our ministry at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mortuary. I’m truly inspired by and grateful for the opportunity to serve members of our Catholic faith community in this way each day.