Student pallbearers honor those who've died forgotten and impoverished

[UrbScotty]

For the past 12 years, students in the pallbearer ministry at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland have attended funerals for the forgotten, walking with those who have no one else to accompany them to their final resting place. Since the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry was founded in 2002, more than 400 juniors and seniors have served as casket bearers at local funerals for deceased who were homeless, financially insecure or simply didn’t have anyone to give them a dignified burial.

“The mission of the pallbearer ministry is to try and practice the works of mercy, to bring our faith to the streets of Cleveland,” said Jim Skerl, a theology teacher at Saint Ignatius High and the founder of the ministry.

It’s the largest student organization at the school, and members have been present at about 1,450 funerals. “Each funeral is different, which is an interesting reminder that each person we carry is an individual,” said Skerl.

http://www.jesuits.org/news-detail?TN=NEWS-20140902105100

[bvf]

1. My Alma Mater. n/t

[rug]

3. I had Irish Christian Brothers in High School.

[rug]

2. What a great, unassuming program.

No one else is there.

[No Vested Interest]

4. I believe this is done at one of the Catholic high schools near Cincinnati, as well.

I recall reading that the young men keep a dress jacket in their lockers and are ready to help when the call comes in.
It is not only an act of mercy but in many cases almost a necessity as so many are living to advanced age and have no one to perform this work.