The Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry was established in 2002 to:
- To practice the Works of Mercy by offering pallbearer services free of charge to those in need, especially the poor and the elderly.
- To affirm the value and dignity of human life.
- To represent the community at a person’s final commendation.
- To commemorate and pray for the dead.
The Arimathea Ministry was founded in the spirit of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who assisted with the burial of Jesus. It is our belief that no person should die without being prayed for or mourned.
More than 400 Saint Ignatius juniors and seniors have served at more than 980 funerals. Student Pallbearers pledge to serve with respect and dignity. Students learn to offer sympathy and support to others and offer hope in the face of death. Funeral directors from twenty area funeral homes seek these services. The Ministry continues to operate on weekends and during school and summer vacations.
In addition to serving as pallbearers, the Ministry gathers twice each year for a prayer service at Potter's Field, the burial ground for Cleveland’s indigent people.
For more information contact: Mr. James Skerl '74 at jskerl@ignatius.edu or Mr. Dan Baron at dbaron@ignatius.edu.
Saint Joseph of Arimathea Ministry newsletter archives
Spring 2013, Volume 3, Issue 2
Fall 2012, Volume 3, Issue 1
Spring 2012, Volume 2, Issue 2
Fall 2011, Volume 2, Issue 1
Spring 2011, Volume 1, Issue 1
Alumni pallbearers invited to serve
Saint Ignatius Alumni Pallbearers are invited to continue to serve over the Christmas and semester breaks. Please click here to fill out a form to indicate your availability.