Sep 10, 2024
Lisa C. Norton, Communications & Philanthropy Manager
Our friends at Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services bring compassion and understanding for families experiencing a loss.
Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services is one of the presenting sponsors at this year’s Walk of Remembrance. Why do they choose to support Angela Hospice? They believe in the good work of Angela Hospice and the mission that drives it. In fact, it is very much like their own mission.
“Death is a scary topic for a lot of people to talk about or to face, and what we try to do is give families the education that they need to make decisions,” explained Deanna Cortese, Outreach Director for CFCS. “We try to educate families on what they need to do, give them all of that information, and then let them decide afterwards what’s best for them and their family.”
Just like planning for end-of-life care, Deanna said planning for burial or cremation is something it is best for individuals to think about in advance.
“Hopefully they’re making those decisions at a time that’s not so emotional and filled with grief,” she said.
Deanna has worked with many families over years, supporting them during a difficult time. And CFCS believes in continuing that support in an ongoing way.
“You form bonds with strangers that become like family to you, because you’re helping them walk this difficult time. So our goal is to also continue with these families on their journey after a death has happened,” Deanna shared.
That’s why CFCS has developed a robust program to help families stay connected to the loved ones they’ve lost, including masses and events for holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. They’ll also be inviting some of the families they serve to join them at the Walk of Remembrance.
As a non-profit, CFCS not only provides outreach to their families and groups like Angela Hospice, they also serve the community through charitable programs. Their All Souls Remembrance Program offers burial or cremation services at a discounted rate or free of charge for those in need, because CFCS believes all people deserve to be laid to rest with respect and dignity. In addition, the organization works with families who have lost a child, providing low cost or no cost burial services to these grieving families.
While CFCS’s foundation is rooted in their Catholic faith, they serve people of all faiths, working throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. Locations include Holy Cross Cemetery in Detroit, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Mount Carmel in Wyandotte, Mount Hope in Pontiac, Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown, and St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.