20 April 23 , 2013 in our Community The Valley Catholic
By Kathy Fanger Parish Outreach Coordinator Catholic Cemeteries
Many years ago , Nike shoe company coined a slogan that really hit home with me : JUST DO IT ! I am driven toward accomplishing each day ’ s important tasks . Those that can wait , often do , such as planning our funeral services and purchasing cemetery property .
According to an article in the Mercury News by Lisa Krieger 82 percent of people say it ’ s important to put endof-life wishes in writing , however only 23 percent have done so . I ’ m in my mid 50s . Surely I have PLENTY of time .
• Here ’ s the good news : We did it ! Our cemetery property is purchased . It didn ’ t take much time or cost as much as we thought . As with most major purchases -- home , car , vacation -- we often make it a priority to research , seek advice , consider locations and features , compare prices , look for sales , discounts and payment plans .
We want our purchase to be wise and thoughtful and provide us peace . It was important that our choice fit within our budget , be accessible to our son and loved ones , and that the cemetery respected our Catholic faith .
• Why purchase cemetery property before I need it ? As Gate of Heaven Cemetery ’ s
JUST DO IT !
receptionist , I observed firsthand the difference between families who made prior arrangements and those who did not . Witnessing the emotional drain on individuals from countless decisions to be made and agreed upon while grieving was my impetus to purchase our own burial property at Gate of Heaven .
Families who preplanned have only to make a phone call to the cemetery at the time of death to coordinate the date and time of services and pay outstanding fees . We purchased at today ’ s prices . Inflation results in cemetery prices doubling every 10 years .
• Is property expensive ? The mission of our staff is to serve families and parishioners of the Diocese of San Jose . As a non-profit , religious cemetery , we offer the best value in cemetery pricing in Santa Clara County . With financing available , cemetery property for two can be reserved for as little as $ 75 per month payable for three years for a niche and $ 205 per month for a ground burial property for two .
• Future of Catholic Cemeteries Our diocesan Catholic Cemeteries are the only ones in Santa Clara County with ample land designated for continued development .
• Make an appointment Call Calvary Cemetery at 408-258-
2940 or Gate of Heaven at 650-428- 3730 . ( Calvary assists with St . John the Baptist Cemetery properties .) Family Service Counselors listen to your wishes , discuss burial options , provide a tour , and offer no-interest payment plans and discount opportunities .
You may put one or more properties “ on hold ” while you and your family discuss your decision . You may pay in full or make a down payment toward a monthly payment plan . At the time of death , payment in full is required for the deceased person .
‘ We want our purchase to be wise and thoughtful and provide us peace .’
Fees include opening and closing the grave and filing county paperwork . Additional charges apply to Saturday services and use of the chapel . Markers may be arranged and paid for either prior to death , at time of death , or at a later date .
• For more information , visit www . ccdsj . org or contact Kathy Fanger at 650-428-3730 x 214 .
CHING MING MASS -- Father Carlos Alberto Olivera , pastor , Margarita Hua , Ching Ming Liturgist , and members of the San Jose Chinese Catholic Mission gathered for Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery ’ s All Saints Chapel , April 6 , to celebrate Ching Ming . Over 160 people attended . Following Mass , they visited graves of loved ones .
Pre-Plan .
And get back to what matters most .
Gate of Heaven Cemetery 22555 Cristo Rey Drive Los Altos , CA 94024 ( 650 ) 428-3730
Here to serve you . www . ccdsj . org
Calvary Cemetery 2650 Madden Avenue San Jose , CA 95116 ( 408 ) 258-2940
St . John the Baptist Cemetery 651 Old Piedmont Road Milpitas , CA 95035 ( 408 ) 258-2940
Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of San Jose would like to thank the following family owned and operated funeral homes :
Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation FD 1215 1 408-257-6262
Bay Area Mortuary FD 1829 1 408-295-9800
Beddingfield Funeral Service FD 1999 1 408-777-8100
Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of Angels FD 668 1 510-656-1226
Chapel of Flowers FD 189 1 408-294-9663
Cusimano Family Mortuary FD 1041 1 650-968-4453
Lima & Campagna Sunnyvale Mortuary FD 1961 1 408-736-1315
Lima Campagna Alameda Mission Chapel FD 1949 1 408-288-9188
Martinez & Barba Funeral Services & Cremation FD 1998 1 1-800-881-3851
Spangler Mortuary - Los Altos FD 927 1 650-948-6619
Spangler Mortuary - Mountain View FD 579 1 650-957-5546
Spangler Mortuary , Sunnyvale Chapel , Wyant & Smith Crematory FD 910 1 408-736-6294 www . valleycatholiconline . com