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Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to our Heroes
While you’re visiting Most Holy Redeemer this week take the opportunity to write a message in honor of your loved one on our tribute board. These messages will be part of our prayers during Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to our Heroes. Join with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard for Mass at 9 AM on Monday May 27 at Most Holy Redeemer.

Tribute Board
In conjunction with the Catholic Cemeteries Memorial Day Salute, visitors to Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery can write a personal message to veterans on a Tribute Board. We invite you to inscribe this outdoor banner with a message of love or remembrance to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. The Tribute Board will be in place from May 17 to May 31. “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes” is a national program developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference to honor those men and women who have died in the military and intelligence services, as well as veterans and active duty military. Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will celebrate Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery on Monday, May 27, at 9AM. Please join us to help honor our veterans.

Safety Award Winners
Staff recognized for accident free service
13 Albany Diocesan Cemeteries employees were recognized for accident free service at the annual Employee Recognition Banquet on April 13 at the Desmond Americana Hotel. Mike Radley and William Lovelace, 1 year. Ruth Sheldon and Terry Regney, 2 years. Russell Piper and Mike St. Gelais, 3 years. Chris Mattas, 5 years. Joe LaFountain, 6 years. Duane Wagenbaugh, 12 years. Luke McGarry, 13 years.
Danny Catlin, 14 years. Steve LaFountain and David Madej, 15 years. Congratulations to all!

Upcoming Civil War Ceremony in St. Agnes Cemetery
Did you know that The Albany Diocesan Cemeteries offer a way for you play a part in the memorialization of a Civil War Veteran?

Mr. Jonathon Younkin and his class of 6th graders at Lincoln Elementary School are doing just that. The staff at St. Agnes Cemetery wanted to ensure the students really understood the value of their patriotic deed so they invited all of the 6th graders at Lincoln Elementary School to actually participate in the gravestone installation process. Afterwards they will witness a full military honors ceremony for the veteran named on the marker, Private Thomas Ray. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM on May 3rd with a rain date of May 10th. The ceremony is open to the public.

Mr. Younkin's class project began with an article featured on the front page of the Times Union last Veteran's Day describing the ordeal of a very young drummer boy who served the Union Army during the Civil War. The little drummer boy, Barney Ross, was only 12 years old when he marched off to war. He was around the same age as most 6th graders in Mr. Younkin's class. The teacher shared the story of Barney with his students and called St. Agnes Cemetery's historian, Kelly Grimaldi, to ask how his class may help memorialize a Civil War soldier in need of a gravestone. They enthusiastically agreed to raise the $100 installation fee for a new stone marking the grave of another young soldier, Thomas Ray, who died during the war at age 21.

Contact Kelly Grimaldi at KellyAnn.Grimaldi@rcda.org for more information about the May 3rd ceremony or visit the "Civil War Project" tab on the Albany Diocesan Cemeteries website to learn how you and your family can help memorialize a Civil War Veteran.

-Nicole Willbrant, Family Services Associate

Daffodils at St. Agnes Cemetery
Spring Cleanup
Albany Diocesan Cemeteries conduct two General Cleanups a year: on or about April 1st and November 1st. Lot owners are requested to remove any decorations they wish to save before those dates. The cleanup of all cemeteries takes some time, and depending on weather and the number of burials, may take a week to complete. During the cleanups, cemetery staff removes and discards all items from graves. Groundskeepers are instructed to leave any permitted seasonal decoration that appears to be newly placed. Of course, this is a judgment call for our staff, so it is better to wait until after the cleanup to place seasonal decorations. Items placed in violation of cemetery rules and regulations or in disrepair may be removed and discarded at any time. In addition, the cemetery conducts a cleanup of Christmas decorations beginning January 15, time and weather permitting.

Cemetery Decorations and the Environment
The Decorating of Graves: Past Traditions versus Current Trends Spring is upon us and we are entering a busy time in our cemeteries. Warmer weather inspires visitors to decorate their loved ones’ graves. Grave decorating has long been a tradition in rural cemeteries. Decoration Day was a big event in the lives of 19th century citizens and though traditions have changed and a specific day is not formally observed, decorated graves are still very important to many people. About a month before Memorial Day our staff begins to make exhaustive efforts to ensure Albany Diocesan Cemeteries are well manicured, safe and welcoming. For these grounds to be unprepared to receive visitors would have been considered a deplorable act of neglect to 19th century visitors and the same holds true today. One thing that has changed in the past century is the manner in which graves are decorated. Let us take a minute to consider it may not be a change for the better. I found an article about Decoration Day in the archives of historic St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands that was published in an Albany newspaper in 1901. The article boasts of the Cemetery’s good form and describes it as being “in harmony with the natural topography of the surroundings in accordance with modern rural or landscape art which always avoids artificial production. Nature should never be forced by any plan or design.” I find more than a bit of irony in the ideals of 19th century “modern rural/landscape art” versus the reality of today. If so called artificial productions were deemed an affront to the harmony of nature, what would our predecessors have thought about placing artificial flowers on graves? Do we tread on Mother Nature by inventing our own version of her? The 1901 article goes on to say, “The greatest beauty attained is in a corresponding degree of simplicity [not] tawdry and vain show.” What one considers “tawdry and vain” another may think very pretty and important. It is not my intent to argue either way. I only wish to make the case that it is time to think about the impact decorations of the unnatural kind have on our environment. It took a long time for people to transition away from the notion that nothing can compete with the loveliness of fresh floral arrangements. The downside is that their beauty is fleeting (as is life itself in the grand scheme of things). Plastic and silk floral arrangements do, of course, have durability of construction over the real thing, but let us for a moment think of Mother Nature herself and the planet where she reins as queen. Most artificial flowers are not retrieved from gravesites before scheduled clean up dates. These decorations must be collected and disposed of by our staff. The waste they generate per cleanup is in excess of 300 cubic yards – enough to fill two 18 wheelers hauling 53’ by 8.5’ by 9’ trailers. Remember - we have 3 major cleanups per year! Are we justified in filling 6 huge trailers full of things that will take decades to decompose? When thought of in that light, it is hard to make a case in support of using artificial flowers to decorate graves. Let us look at the bigger picture and remember that we are stewards of this great planet. We have a responsibility to protect it for future generations. I wish there was a way to persuade our visitors to think twice before affixing showy arrangements of artificial flowers on graves. I know that even though I make a strong argument supporting a return to fresh flowers in cemeteries, my plea will likely go unheeded. My thoughts now turn to the 1970s and a Native American man featured in an iconic televised message about pollution. You may remember him. A tear slides down his cheek at the sight of this planet being habitually victimized by the very people it sustains. Take time to ask yourself who you appease when you place false flowers on a grave. Earth will not digest flowers made in a factory.
Kelly Grimaldi Historian

A Story in Bronze-Choosing a Bronze Grave Marker
With the snow finally fading and warmer weather (hopefully) on the way, now is a great time to contact us about your memorialization options, no matter which section of the cemetery your loved one is in. Many families choose not to take on this task immediately after the funeral. Often it is helpful to take a break from the decision making that comes along with a planning funeral before picking out memorialization. The memorial you purchase will be a symbol of your loved one’s life for hundreds of years to come and there is no need to rush into it.

At the Albany Diocesan Cemeteries, we understand that the task of creating a permanent memorial for your loved one can be daunting. Our staff members are here to make the experience as easy as possible for you. We will guide you through the process of choosing a memorial that will honor your loved one’s memory.

What are my options? Your options are dependent on which section in the cemetery your loved one is buried/entombed in. A family services member in our cemetery office can explain all of your options to you. In this article we will focus mainly on the beautifully made flush bronze grave markers used in our shrine sections. The flush bronze markers can also be used in our monument sections, along with an upright monument.

We offer many options to help you personalize the bronze marker you choose for your loved one. The marker will state your loved one’s name, their date of birth, and their date of death. You can choose from many border designs (flowers, leaves, etc.) as well as adding emblems and inscriptions that will represent your loved one and the life that they lived.

Why do we memorialize? We memorialize to have a permanent, visual, memorial signifying our loved one’s life that can be viewed friends and family now as well as in generations to come. The marker tells a story in a very small amount of space. One hundred years from now when someone sees the marker, they can know based on the marker, that your Mom was devoted to and loved by her family, took pride in her profession as a nurse, that her Catholic faith was important to her, or that she loved animals.

What is the first step? Your first step is simply to contact us and start a conversation with one of our family services staff. Be prepared to give us your loved one’s name as well as your relationship to them. It is also helpful if you know what cemetery they are buried in because each of our offices oversees multiple cemeteries.

What should I think about before coming to your office to choose a bronze marker? The most important thing is to think about the person you are memorializing. How would you describe him/her? Which of their role(s) did they take the most pride in? What do you want people to remember about them?

You may also want to consider how formal or informal you would like the marker to be. Did they have a nickname that you would like to incorporate? Would it be more fitting for the marker to say “Beloved Wife, Mother & Grandmother” or “Beloved Wife, Mom and Nana”? Was there a saying they were known for using to cheer or encourage people?

Is there a way to choose and purchase a bronze marker if I am unable to come in to your office? Yes. We understand that sometimes family members live out of town or may have to work during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30-4PM). Often, friends and family have already used much of their benefit time at work due to being a caretaker of their loved one, attending doctor’s appointments during the final stages of illness, and planning and attending the funeral services.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, completing the process through email is a great option. We can send you documents in an email attachment. You can then forward the attachments to other family members so everyone can make decisions together.

If needed, we can also make arrangements to complete the process through traditional mail.

Please feel free to contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

by Nicole Willbrant, Family Services Associate

Cremation Bench
The cremated bodies of Catholics belong in the cemetery, not the closet. Over the years, I have met many people who keep an urn containing the cremated remains of a loved one at home, or in one case, even in the trunk of a car. Mostly, they just don’t know what else to do. The bodies of Catholics, cremated or not, deserve to be treated with reverence and respect. We honor cremated bodies by burial or entombment in a Catholic Cemetery, in imitation of Jesus’ own burial.

If you are considering cremation, be sure that your family and funeral director know your wishes with respect to the final disposition of your cremated remains.

If you have someone’s urn, and don’t know what to do, call us. Albany Diocesan Cemeteries offers a wide range of choices for families that have chosen cremation. Unlike some cemeteries, we do not employ commission salespeople. Our Family Service Representatives can provide the information you need to make an intelligent, unhurried decision that’s right for you and your family, at the right time for you.

Have You Considered Pastoral Care?
Do you have an extra hour in the day, week, or month? Are you a good listener? Are you compassionate? Can you provide understanding or awareness?

Consider how meaningful your presence and support will be to someone who has little to no family, is ill, elderly, homebound, or disabled.

There are opportunities available for you to make an impact: † Pastoral care coordinator † Pastoral care visitor Please call the Office of Pastoral Care, Harley McDevitt at 518-641-6823, e-mail Harley.mcdevitt@rcda.org, or contact your home parish for more information.

Photo Contest Winner Jeanne Keefe 2012
Cemetery Happenings
Cemetery Happenings? What could possible happen in a cemetery besides the obvious? Well, I tell you - we are not all gloom and doom! Next week we are kicking off the 6th annual photo contest with a new twist. The contest is open to all 15 of the Albany Diocesan Cemeteries and the photo exhibit will be in the Empire State Plaza Concourse as part of the Mystic Halloween theme. Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to visit any of the 15 cemeteries under our care, take pictures, and submit two of their favorites to be put on display and judged in October. Big cash prizes will be offered. This is a really fun way to show off your artistic talent! For more information log on to CapitalDistrictCemeteries.org and click on the photo contest tab. Forms may be downloaded from the website or you may email KellyAnn.Grimaldi@rcda.org for more information.
On March 2nd from 2-3:30 expert genealogist Donna Vaughn will conduct an interactive lecture called "Tips and Tales from an Irish Genealogist." Anyone who has ever done research on their Irish roots knows the frustration of hitting a brick wall. Donna has four decades of experience and is very familiar with the pitfalls researchers encounter. Her lively and entertaining lectures fill quickly. Reserve your seats now by calling Kelly at 463-0134 or email me at the address provided above. There is no charge for the lecture - just bring your questions and sense of humor!
Do you get a little antsy this time of year? Come take a drive (or walk) around historic St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands in search of the obelisk that is the subject of the latest Historian's Corner found on CapitalDistrictCemeteries.org. The first person to find this obelisk and tell me where it is will be invited to bring a guest on a private tour conducted by an expert in funerary art and architecture. Following the tour, you and your guest will enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian picnic high upon a grassy knoll surrounded by some of St. Agnes Cemetery's most beautiful views and monuments. You choose the date - a warm date of course - and I'll do the rest! To keep yourself in the loop about all our cemetery happenings, like us on Facebook or check our website periodically. - Kelly Grimaldi

Pre-Arrangement: An Act of Love
The Gift of Pre-Arrangement
“You have given your children a gift that Mom and Dad never gave us.” I overheard this conversation in the cemetery office, one sister to another, after one had finalized her pre-need burial arrangements.

In nearly 30 years of cemetery ministry, I have helped thousands of families complete these arrangements.

When someone dies without pre-need arrangements, he or she leaves an enormous burden for the family. Someone, a spouse, child, friend or relative, will decide which cemetery and what type of cemetery lot or mausoleum crypt, and the size and style of memorial, often unaware of any wishes the deceased may have had.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard “I wish I knew what Dad would have wanted.”

It’s not easy to do, because in order to make these arrangements, you must face your own mortality. No one wants to think about his or her death. Purchasing cemetery space is one more provision you can make for a time when your family must go on without you. Pre-arrangement relieves your family of difficult decisions and protects your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions in the midst of their grief.

Pre-arrangement is an act of love.

Rachel's Garden
January 22, 2013 is the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade which was a case in the U.S. Supreme Court which upheld a woman's constitutional right to abort a pregnancy. For those who have been a part of that movement whether for a year or 40 -- 2013 will be a significant year to commemorate the approximately 55 million lives lost to abortion and recommit to bringing an end to abortion.
Project Rachel is the name of the Catholic Church’s healing ministry to those who have been involved in abortion. Its name comes from Scripture: In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the LORD: Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward… There is hope for your future. Jeremiah 31:15-17
A place to pray and reconnect with your deceased child is in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. There is a serene garden for all those who have lost a child due to stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion or infant death. All are welcome to come and pray at Rachel’s Garden.

The Christmas trees in the mausoleums at Most Holy Redeemer will come down on January 15. We invite you to take your loved one's ornament home. This is the last year we are offering the ornaments. Next year we will have two new options.

Christmas Decoration Cleanup
This advent season, in preparation for Christmas, Albany Diocesan Cemetery staff decorated over 2,800 graves with wreaths, grave blankets and mausoleum vases. Thanks to our staff who worked overtime to mail flyers, process orders, and assemble and place these decorations.

The cemeteries were truly beautiful as we awaited the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We hope that each of you had a blessed and peaceful Christmas and we wish you a happy new year. Now, as the Christmas season on the Church liturgical calendar comes to a close, the cemeteries begin the cleanup of Christmas decorations on January 15. Lot owners are requested to remove any decorations they wish to save before those dates.

The cleanup of all cemeteries takes some time, and depending on weather and the number of burials, may take a week to complete. During the cleanups, cemetery staff removes and discards all Christmas items.

Mausoleum Window
Did you know that you can create a Legacy Gift by simply designating the Cemetery as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, IRA, or savings account?
Catholic Cemeteries serve the Church by spanning the kingdom now present and the kingdom yet to come. On behalf of the entire Christian community, the Catholic Cemetery holds the bodies, once temples of the Holy Spirit, until the Lord comes again in glory. It serves as a symbol of the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death. Catholic Cemeteries help to illuminate the path as we make our pilgrimage from earth to heaven.

Catholic Cemeteries need financial assistance from people like you to continue our mission of serving the living and caring for the dead. By making bequests and other "planned gifts," you can help ensure the sustainability of the maintenance of our Cemeteries. Charitable giving is not only for the wealthy. Gifts large and small are important. Contact Rick Touchette for more information.

Historian Kelly Grimaldi
St. Agnes Historian earns M.A. in History
Intrepid Historian Kelly Grimaldi has completed her Masters of Arts in History from the University at Albany.
Kelly's achievement was celebrated by her co-workers during the staff Christmas Party.

Cemetery Wreath
Christmas Decoration Program
In this advent season, in preparation for Christmas, Albany Diocesan Cemetery staff has decorated over 2,800 graves with wreaths, grave blankets and mausoleum vases. Thanks to our staff who worked overtime to mail flyers, process orders, and assemble and place these decorations.
The cemeteries are truly beautiful as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. May each of you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

How to Help a Grieving Friend
“If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member” (1Corinthians 12:26). The Church calls each of us to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn. (Order of Christian Funerals).

It’s sometimes difficult to know what to do or say. “Fifty Ways to Help a Grieving Friend” is a brochure published by The National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved (NCMB). The NCMB suggests: “When a friend experiences the death of a loved one, go to your friend, listen, show you care. Continue to share your concern throughout the entire difficult first year- and longer if needed.” The brochure then lists 50 things that you can do for someone who’s grieving.

If you’d like a free copy of this valuable brochure, e-mail rick@rcda.org.

Healing the Grief of the loss of a loved one
Are you suffering from grief from a recent loss? Are you experiencing deep grief after an extended period of time?
“HEALING THE GRIEF…OF THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE” is an audio cd by Mark Victor Hansen and John E. Welshons. Mark, the co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, interviews John, the founder of Open Heart Seminars. This cd may help you to begin to work through your grief.
Mark and John discuss overcoming the initial sense of panic when a loss occurs, and share techniques for opening your heart to the feelings that you still share with your loved one. You will discover that love is not lost.
If you’d like a complimentary copy of this cd, email rick@rcda.org

Danny Catlin and St. Mary's in Sports Illustrated
Danny Catlin is mentioned in a feature story about baseball great Johnny Evers, who is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. Read the real story of "Tinkers to Evers to Chance".
http://insidesportsillustrated.com/tag/johnny-evers/

Catholicism on WMHT
Sunday, December 2, 1:00PM
Don't miss the award-winning program "Catholicism". Fr. Robert Barron created this groundbreaking program as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why, so all adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith. Not a video lecture, Church history or scripture study, this engaging and interesting formational program uses the art, architecture, literature, music and all the treasures of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church.
This program is underwritten by Albany Diocesan Cemeteries.

As Veterans Day approaches we're thinking about the Veterans memorialized in our cemeteries as well as the other Veterans in our lives. We're interested in hearing about the Veterans that are important to you. Tell us about a Veteran you want people to know about.

Christmas Wreath
Cemetery Christmas Decorations
Each year, cemetery staff members decorate thousands of graves with evergreen blankets or wreaths in the 15 Diocesan Cemeteries. It’s easy to take advantage of this convenient way to remember your loved ones.

Wreaths and blankets are made from fresh evergreen boughs and sprigs decorated with red or white poinsettias. Wreaths are $35. Mausoleum Vases are $30, and blankets are $45. This price includes the decoration, delivery and installation on the grave, and disposal after the Christmas season.

The deadline for ordering is December 14. Please call the cemetery office for more information: • Most Holy Redeemer, St. Cyril & Method, St. Anthony’s, Holy Cross, or St. Mary’s-Schenectady: call 374-5319. • St. Agnes, St. Mary’s- Troy, St. Patrick’s, St. John’s, St. Agnes Cohoes, Our Lady Help of Christians, St. Jean’s, Immaculate Conception, Calvary or Our Lady of Angels: call 463-0134.

You can also download an order form from www.CapitalDistrictCemeteries.org (Christmas Decorations).

All Christmas decorations are removed by cemetery staff beginning January 15, as conditions permit.

Fall Colors at Kateri Meadow
Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve
Nature takes it's course, and the riotous colors of summer turn to autumn red, yellow and orange.

St. John's Cemetery
A memorial for a hero
Peter Matthew Guenette, a Troy native, joined the Army in 1967, and by May 18, 1968 was serving as a specialist four in Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). During a firefight on that day, in Quan Tan Uyen Province, Republic of Vietnam, Guenette smothered the blast of a hand grenade with his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him.

Spec 4 Guenette, aged 20 at his death, is buried at Saint Johns Cemetery in Lansingburgh.

This sign was recently installed near the cemetery entrance.

Cremation
The cremated bodies of Catholics belong in the cemetery, not the closet. Over the years, I have met many people who keep an urn containing the cremated remains of a loved one at home, or in one case, even in the trunk of a car. Mostly, they just don’t know what to do. The bodies of Catholics, cremated or not, deserve to be treated with reverence and respect. We honor cremated bodies by burial or entombment in a Catholic Cemetery, in imitation of Jesus’ own burial.

As Catholics, we are committed to the reverence of the body and are now offering free placement of cremated remains at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. We will celebrate the committal service from the Rite of Christian Burial and entomb the urns in the All Souls Crypt at no charge. The service will be at 2 PM on All Souls Day, November 2. Please call 518-374-5319 by October 25 if you would like to participate in the All Souls Remembrance Program.

Photo by John Walsh
Ffith Annual Historic St. Agnes Photo Contest
The work of 60 amateur and professional photographers is on display at Colonie Memorial Town Hall through October 28. The winners of cash prizes will be announced at a reception on October 17 from 4:30-6PM at Town Hall, 534 Loudon Road, Newtonville, NY.

The award ceremony featuring Supervisor Paula Mahon will begin at 5:00 PM. The Photo Contest is sponsored by Trustco Bank and St. Agnes Cemetery. For more information, please call Kelly Grimaldi at 463-0134. This photo by John Walsh, the 2011 First Prize Award winner.

Paving at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery
Our Lady of Angels Cemetery
Most will agree that since Albany Diocesan Cemeteries assumed responsibility for Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, big changes have taken place. Many families are pleased that we have paved roads, improved turf quality, and opened the St. Francis Shrine. Some have commented that the appearance of the cemetery has improved with the consistent enforcement of rules and regulations. Others are not happy that we have begun enforcing rules and regulations that have been on the books for decades, but overlooked by previous staff.

Some have asked, “Why are my decorations removed and others left untouched?” Removing unauthorized plantings takes time. The plantings are removed and replaced with topsoil and grass seed. We are doing one section at a time, as time allows between funerals, installing memorials, and other tasks. So it is possible that a lot has been renovated while one in the next row is untouched. It will take some time to complete this project.

However, when our staff notices new plantings or other violations, these are removed immediately. Informational brochures are available in the mail boxes near each entrance or by calling 463-0134.

Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve
Natural Burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact. The body returns naturally to the earth, "For dust you are and to dust you shall return," -Genesis 3:19. The preserve at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery is named for Kateri Tekakwitha, the beloved "Lily of the Mohawks". Kateri is the patroness of the environment and ecology. The area will be kept in a natural meadow condition.

Only burial shrouds or natural biodegradable caskets can be used. Burial vaults are not permitted. Embalming is not required, and memorials are limited to natural granite blocks provided by the cemetery.

When natural burial is chosen, the full course of the Order of Christian Funerals should still be celebrated, including the Vigil Service (wake), the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal.
For more information, please call Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery at 374-5319 or e-mail natural.burial@rcda.org

Annual Fund
The Catholic Cemetery is a symbol of the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death. Christians are citizens of two cities: heaven and earth. We are grateful for gifts in memory and honor of your loved ones, gifts which help us to maintain these sacred places in a manner befitting their hallowed purpose. Over the past several years, gifts and donations, large and small, have become increasingly important.
We welcome gifts in any amount. Donations forms are available on CapitalDistrictCemeteries.org/In Memoriam, or from our offices.
Did you know that you can create a Legacy Gift by simply designating the Cemetery as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, IRA, or savings

8-16-2012: Anatomical Gift Program
St. Agnes Cemetery donates grave space and interment services for Catholics who have donated their bodies to the Anatomical Gift Program at the Albany Medical College. When studies by medical students are completed, the body is cremated and placed in an urn.

The St. Agnes Cemetery conducts an annual memorial service for those who will be buried at St. Agnes. Medical students as well as families of the donors attend this poignant service. After the liturgy, each urn is buried in an individual grave. The grave has enough space to permit the burial of a second urn, of a spouse or close relative. The grave may be marked with a bronze memorial and flower vase. Bronze memorials may be purchased at the cemetery. This year’s service is scheduled for September 7th at 2PM. Please join us to honor those who have made this sacrifice.

8-9-2012: All Souls Remembrance Program
Do you have the cremated remains of a loved one at home? Have you given thought to scattering the cremated remains in the ocean or mountains? Many people simply don’t know what to do after the urn is returned to the family. As Catholics, we are committed to the reverence of the body and are now offering free placement of the cremated remains at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Our concern for the proper care and handling of cremated remains has led to this new initiative. We will celebrate the committal service from the Rite of Christian Burial and entomb the urns in the All Souls Crypt at no charge. The service will be at 12 PM on All Souls Day, November 2. Please call 518-374-5319 by October 25 if you would like to participate in the All Souls Remembrance Program.

8-2-2012: Cutting Garden
Do you like fresh flowers on graves? Historic St. Agnes Cemetery has established a cutting garden for use by cemetery visitors. This garden is filled with annual and perennial flowers. Visitors may cut these flowers for their loved one’s graves. Scissors, cone-shaped plastic vases, and donation envelopes are available at the garden. The suggested donation is $1.00 per stem.

Wilted flowers will be collected by cemetery staff and the vases returned for reuse.

I have a personal preference for fresh, cut, flowers over plastic decorations. Plastic flowers use petroleum for manufacture and transportation, leaving a big carbon footprint. When discarded, these items will take up space in a landfill into perpetuity. Flowers from the cutting garden actually have a positive impact on the environment when growing, and can later be composted for use in the cemetery. Fresh flowers look better.

Enjoy the garden!

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