The Catholic Community Foundation marked a meaningful milestone in its mission of faith-filled philanthropy as Bishop John Dolan celebrated a consecration Mass for the Joseph of Arimathea Fund on Tuesday (Nov. 10). The Mass was celebrated in the Virginia G. Piper Chapel at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix.
Established by James Peck in partnership with the Catholic Community Foundation, the Joseph of Arimathea Fund will provide financial assistance to families in need with funeral and burial expenses for their loved ones. Rooted in the Catholic Church’s corporal work of mercy of burying the dead, the fund seeks to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent families from honoring their loved ones with a dignified funeral and burial.
The fund is named in honor of Joseph of Arimathea, the disciple who provided a tomb for Jesus following His Crucifixion. His act of charity reflects the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to honoring the dignity of every human person, even in death.
The inspiration for the fund grew from Peck’s experiences serving as a funeral coordinator at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Phoenix. Through this ministry, he witnessed firsthand the financial challenges families face while grieving the loss of a loved one. For some, funeral and burial costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars, placing an overwhelming burden on families already experiencing profound loss.
Recognizing this need, Peck envisioned a charitable fund that would extend compassion and practical assistance to families during one of life’s most difficult moments.
Today’s Mass was an opportunity to entrust this important work to God and recognize the compassion, generosity and faith that inspired its creation.
“This is about mercy, living our faith and ensuring our brothers and sisters receive the dignity of a proper burial and the testimony it gives to the hope of the Resurrection,” Peck said.
Serving Arizona since 1983, the Catholic Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, organizations and parishes to steward charitable gifts in support of Catholic causes and community needs. Through donor-advised funds, endowments and charitable giving programs such as the Giving Circle, the Foundation works to strengthen ministries, support the Church and advance the mission of Catholic philanthropy for generations to come.
