Over the past decades, Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) has provided hundreds of services for those without means, in line with its Catholic-based values. The annual Bringing Them Home Service is an example of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in action.
The organisation has the incredible privilege of assisting people at the end of life. The on-going collaboration between CCC and the St Vincent de Paul Society means that those experiencing disadvantage, are not precluded from being laid to rest or being remembered.
The former CEO Peter O’Meara was instrumental in providing this vital community service and believed, “There is an intrinsic element of basic humanity and a spirit of respect for the dead that no government-controlled cemetery provides in Sydney”.
The Bringing Them Home service commemorates those who have died in the past year. Each person is provided words of remembrance, and their ashes committed to burial beneath a personalised plaque along the landscaped Charles O’Neill Walk at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery.
Referrals for interment come to the Grief Care team at CCC from St Vincent de Paul and other centres for marginalised people including CatholicCare, David’s Place and Cana communities, as well as funeral directors and parish priests.
Grief Care co-ordinator Sinead Kent tries to find out as much information about each person as possible and contacts any known relatives or friends. While it is a Catholic initiative, the service is open to anyone. “Being a person of no means is the deciding factor and their faith is not a factor.”
Charles O’Neill was the co-founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia and is buried in Section 14, Mortuary 3 in the company of those he served. O’Neill is remembered for his life’s commitment to the poor and promoted a more sympathetic and non-judgmental approach to charity.
At Rookwood Catholic Cemetery, there are two dedicated St Vincent De Paul Society burial areas to assist those less fortunate. There have been over 800 interments that have taken place from the early 1970’s to today.
CCC believes that everyone who comes into our cemeteries regardless of their circumstances or background, should be treated with respect and dignity. The organisation’s mission is to provide a dedicated resting place and support for all in the community.
