News

Catholic cemetery donates part of sales to shelter

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

Past articles: from November 23, 2007 issue: • Programs to benefit shelter visitors     Victory in Life, Adullam House seek to offer assistance     to guests at St. John Evangelist Homeless Shelter     Sidebar: Volunteers needed • Green Bay mayor spends night at St. John homeless shelter     Mayor Jim Schmitt volunteers at shelter, visits with     homeless guests     Sidebar: Shelter seeks donations from November 16, 2007 issue: • Shelter gets preliminary approval • Shelter seeks volunteers, donations • Editorial -- Give them shelter     Church, society have moral obligation to provide shelter     to all homeless from November 9, 2007 issue: • Front-page photo: Shack-a-Thon at St. Norbert College • Homeless shelter opens     Diocese supports plans to open shelter at local church • Hunger, homelessness in spotlight     National Hunger, Homelessness Awareness Week     is Nov. 11-17 from October 26, 2007 issue: • On Nov. 1, where will Green Bay homeless go?     City plan for most marginalized may not happen,     but church hospitality center ready from September 28, 2007 issue: • Alternative to COTS homeless shelter in works     Green Bay's New Community Shelter in mix,     advises patience from August 31, 2007 issue: • Green Bay nixes winter shelter at church     COTS offered a place to sleep to people     who couldn't go to city's other shelters • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik --     A scraped knee and beyond     Emergency shelter in downtown     is all about caring for each other

ALLOUEZ -- Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum will donate a percentage of all December pre-need sales to St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter in Green Bay, announced Steve Gooding, administrator of the cemetery and mausoleum.

"This is an opportunity for us, as one member of the entire diocesan family, to lend a helping hand toward the betterment of our community," said Gooding in a press release.

Gooding explained that the idea to provide financial support to the shelter was inspired by the volunteer work of Lynne Rasmussen, a family services counselor at the Allouez cemetery.

"Lynne is serving as the liaison for donations from diocesan employees," Gooding told The Compass. "A lot of items have been donated and she has championed that activity. We wanted to give something monetarily as well."

Rasmussen developed a list of shelter needs after meeting with Fr. Guy Blair, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Two percent of all pre-need sales, including property, crypts, burial sites, artwork and etching, during the month will be donated, said Gooding.

"We are hoping to get people who are on the proverbial fence to come in this month," he added. "They can give to the community and people in need without attaching their name to it directly."

Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum continues to offer various seminars including presentations by attorneys and financial planners, said Gooding. He also visits parishes in the diocese to provide information about services.

Anyone wishing to learn more about advanced planning benefits and available memorial options may contact a family services counselor at (920) 432-7585 or e-mail: sgooding@gbdioc.org.