cemetery

Arson, vandalism and other destruction have taken place at more than 100 Catholic sites across the United States since May 2020.

In the spirit of Pope Francis’ call to care for creation, Holyrood Cemetery is using goat power, not gas power, to clear four acres of undeveloped, blackberry-infested land.

On Aug. 25, 2021, one-legged plant stands and flowerpots were removed from Calvary and Sacred Heart cemeteries in accordance with current cemetery rules. These items have not been disposed of and can be picked up.

In May, Catholic bishops in Washington responded to the new legislation with a statement reminding area Catholics that bodies of deceased loved ones are to be treated with respect.

Twelve goats help rid the cemetery of the invasive species of shrub, thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

Deacon Joe Kittok digs holes for a living.

He spends an hour and a half several times a week removing about 4 cubic yards of dirt, which he takes to his 35-acre property in Delano and spills onto the ground. He gets $400 per hole, which adds up to a decent living.