For over a year now we’ve gotten into the custom of concluding each Mass with our Collaborative prayer. It begins with the line, “Almighty and living God, You have called us to be disciples of your Son Jesus and to labor at building up the Church in Stoughton.” As we seek to bring the intention of this prayer to fruition our minds naturally turn to seek ways to strengthen catechetical and pastoral initiatives. We seek to stimulate ways of fostering a culture of stewardship and discipleship that moves each of the members of our community to consider how they’re putting their time, talent, and treasure to the service of God and His people. We think of improvements needed in our worshipping spaces, and 2 Park Ave where our St. Anthony’s Free Market is housed. As we think of building up the Church and our mission of stewardship and evangelization it’s quite likely that most people’s minds won’t turn to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Yet for a very long time, that cemetery has been part of the Catholic landscape here in Stoughton and it has been an important part of the lives of many of the faithful whose earthly journey has brought them to Holy Sepulchre as their final resting place. It’s also a place of solace for the living as you find in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery a place to pray for and honor those who have gone before us in life and faith.    
                If we’re honest, and I believe in being fully honest and transparent, over the past few years the cemetery has not been the most beautiful of places. Unscrupulous and selfish people have taken advantage of the ease of access to use it as a dumping ground. The grounds have not been tended as best as they could be and of course, a few years ago the statue in the veteran’s section of the cemetery was vandalized.  
                Knowing the importance of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery I’ve made sure to focus on improving it and beautifying it. A few months ago, I had the broken statue removed, and we’re working with the Archdiocese in order to have it replaced. A few months ago, we began working with Keystone Landscaping, a new company that has taken over grave digging and landscaping needs at the cemetery. They are based locally and I’ve found them to be very professional and responsive to our needs thus far. Already a difference can be seen, though admittedly there is much work that still needs to be done.    
                It is with this need in mind that I turn to you. It may sound strange to ask for financial contributions to support the upkeep of the cemetery, but that is precisely what I’m asking for. The only income that the cemetery generates for its upkeep comes from the sale of plots (If you’re interested there are still many plots available) and from burials.    
The cemetery is not just there to be a resting place for our loved ones. I know many of you use it as a place for prayer and contemplation. I intend to continue with the efforts to make it a more beautiful and dignified space. If you’re able to contribute to this weekend’s second collection in support of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery I would be most grateful. I would also eagerly welcome any thoughts you may have of ways we could more stably fund the upkeep of our cemetery. Lastly, spread the word that it is not a dumping ground. We’re making progress in beautifying it. If we need to invest in cameras or other security technology to catch the people who dump and to discourage others from doing so in the future, then I’ll certainly do so, but I’d rather use the funds to make needed improvements to the cemetery so that it remains a dignified place of rest and prayer. – Fr. Carlos