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Dearly Beloved,
One of the important precepts of the Church is the corporal work of mercy “to bury the dead.” By this precept the Church shows its respect for the dignity of the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and its belief in “the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.” The burial of our departed testifies that those who have died and gone before us remain a part of Christ’s body, the Church.
Catholic Cemeteries are a vital agent in assuring that the faithfully departed are treated in a loving and respectful manner that reflects the Church’s concern. Just as Christ was laid to rest in a tomb, our Catholic Cemeteries are sacred places for laying to rest our loved one(s). The Catholic Cemeteries, through its spiritual atmosphere, regular Masses and prayers for the deceased, is a testimonial for our faith in eternal life. I encourage you to support and use our Catholic Cemeteries here in the Diocese of Phoenix.
With cordial good wishes, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Thomas J. Olmsted
Bishop of Phoenix
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