The Joseph of Arimathea Society was founded on December 14, 2001 when a homeless man, Ken Van Velsor, died and whose remaining effects consisted of two quarters, three dimes, and a small key.  The 80 cents provided the foundation of a fund which generous parishioners support that is used for the work of mercy to “bury the dead” who would otherwise be thrown away, as might have Jesus, had not Joseph of Arimathea stepped up and claimed the Body of Christ.  The Society claims the Body of Christ in the distressing disguise of men and women who die abandoned and destitute.  We honor them with a prayerful wake and flowers.  We celebrate them with a full funeral Mass.   We memorialize them with a prayer card and permanent inscription on a special pall with which we drape the casket holding their body.  We then give them back to God with a solemn cemetery service.  The pall is made from the same kind of material that Joseph used to wrap the Body of Christ before placing Our Savior in the tomb from which he rose.  The small key that Ken Van Velsor gave us is regarded as a visible reminder from the Holy Spirit that the opportunity to do this provides us with the “key to the kingdom”.  The Society merely gathers bi-monthly to pray and reflect.  In between, we respond as best we can to last minute calls that ask us if we are ready, willing, and able to claim the Body.  Come bury Christ with us!

For more information, contact the Rectory office.