CSS now hopes to make donated plots available to the public at approximately half the cost of the standard market rate.
Catholic Social Services of
Southern Nebraska
For Catholics, November is the month dedicated to remembering and praying for the faithful departed. Throughout the month, Catholics are encouraged to visit cemeteries, pray for deceased loved ones, and reflect on the hope of the Resurrection.
The season of remembrance offers a special opportunity to consider the corporal work of mercy to bury the dead, an act of compassion that Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has quietly carried out over the years. Through the generosity of local donors, CSS has received several dozen cemetery plots that were no longer needed by their original owners. Many of the individuals moved away from Lincoln or made other burial arrangements, but wanted their unused plots to serve a good purpose.
The donated plots—many located in the Catholic section of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery at 6800 S. 14th St.—were originally intended to help families who could not afford burial costs. While the immediate need for donated plots has been limited, CSS now hopes to make some of the plots available to the public at approximately half the cost of the standard market rate.
While doing their pre-needs planning, Ed and Kathleen Holloway wanted to be laid to rest near Kathleen’s parents, but there were no plots available, so it seemed. However, staff at Lincoln Memorial notified them that CSS owned a couple of plots near where they wanted to be laid to rest. Ed said it was an answer to their prayers.
“In Luke 12:40, it says, ‘You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’ Though this passage is a spiritual calling of preparedness for Jesus’ return, my wife and I believe that God aligned CSS in our path of completing our final needs,” he said.
The proceeds from the sale of the donated plots will go directly to support CSS programs and services, helping individuals and families across southern Nebraska find hope in their time of need.
Those interested in learning more about available CSS plots or making a purchase may contact CSS Development Officer, John Soukup at 402-327-6235.
“In this month when we honor the dead, may we also remember that every act of mercy—whether offering a prayer for the departed or helping those in need—bears witness to our faith in the God who promises eternal life,” Soukup said.
