The Arimathean Society: “Respect for Life” Through a Corporal Act of Mercy: Burial of the Dead

Joanne Marino McGreevy

Christian denominations across the globe perform, each in its own way, what we Catholics call a “corporal act of mercy,” that of burial of the dead.  Despite any differences in how we show our respect for a decedent, we all derive our existence from the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).  They showed us the way to respectfully and lovingly perform the corporal act of mercy Joseph of Arimathea performed in preparing Jesus’ body and providing the tomb prior to the Resurrection.

The existence of the Arimathean Society has been necessitated by many factors.  For us, a major factor is mobility.  While family members maintained homes in Carlisle, younger generations left “to seek their fortunes.”  As a result, we Arimatheans may be the only attendees at a Mass of Christian Burial or the only area connections a family has.

Whether Arimatheans are the only mourners or family members and friends attend, we answer our parish’s call to be present at a mass celebrating the decedent’s earthly life and accomplishments and, in hope of the Resurrection, commending the decedent to everlasting life.  We respond expeditiously by e-mailing or telephoning our members.  

Upon receiving the parish’s call, we create a booklet to help attendees (who may be non-Catholic) understand the mass and respond appropriately, should they desire to fully participate in the Mass of Christian Burial.  The booklet also serves as a memento to family members as they, and we, bid farewell to their loved one.  At mass, our organist and cantor lead us in music carefully selected to suit the family. A  family member or an Arimathean lector reads the Scriptures.  The celebrant (often our Pastor) or a family member delivers a eulogy, recounting the decedent’s accomplishments, and reciting anecdotes that bring smiles to family faces, despite the mourners’ sorrow.

Following mass, attendees participate in a luncheon, prepared and served by parishioners in the Parish Activity Center.  Arimatheans share a meal and the grieving process with the family, as both groups give voice to fond memories, often shedding new light on the decedent.

We consider the Arimathean Society to be a “work in progress.”  We are open to suggestions on how to help families of the deceased during their time of trial. We do not believe we have extraordinary talents; what we do have in common with family mourners is the universal experience of the death of a loved one.  What we do demonstrates a hope in the Resurrection; respect and love for the deceased and their families; a recognition of the needs of the bereaved; and a desire to afford comfort during the family’s final farewell to a loved one.

We welcome all to participate in this corporal act of mercy, an act of respect and love in a mobile society, where younger generations often find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they return to Carlisle, their loved one’s chosen resting place.

For additional writing from members and associates of the St. Gabriel Respect Life group, see below:

https://stgabrielcarlisle.squarespace.com/our-pro-life-views-1/