MICHIGAN CITY – Although the memories and stories of loved ones who have passed can last generations, the grave markers, headstones and monuments may need a little care as the years go by to reduce some of the damage caused by Mother Nature. Headstones in the shade can accumulate dirt and moss, and older ones will become difficult to read if debris has built up. In addition, many of the older burials may not have anyone to clean the stones.
Members of the Civil Air Patrol recently stepped in to help clean headstones at St. Stanislaus Cemetery on May 10 before the Memorial Day holiday. The activity was organized by Brother Shaun Gray and Monica Zibutes, cemetery secretary, who are involved with the Civil Air Patrol program.
“It was an important task to do so, we wanted to get our cadet's service hours for the community,” Brother Shaun said. “I just spent 20 years at St. Stanislaus parish, and I thought it would be in keeping with being in the family.”
The group which included Zibutes (Senior Member), 1st Lt. Sherri Woodlee (Deputy Commander of IN-306 Squadron) and John and Rose Mary Bunton (Senior Members) used soft brushes along with soap and water to wash some older monuments, particularly those of veterans.
“We spent three hours on a Saturday morning working,” Zibutis said. “I estimated that we cleaned about 200 or 250 monuments.”
Zibutis said it was the first time the Civil Air Patrol participated in the activity, and believes they will plan to do it again.
The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization run by the U.S. Air Force. The public service organization provides emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. When performing Air Force–assigned missions, CAP operates as the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
Michael Welsh, chief operations officer at Gary Diocesan Cemeteries, said he really appreciated the help given to the Michigan City cemetery.
“This was great to have the Civil Air Patrol helping us with our ministry and Corporal Work of Mercy,” he said.
St. Stanislaus Cemetery was developed by St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church as a parish cemetery. The first burial was recorded in 1898. For many years, there was no general maintenance provided. The ground became very unsightly and was referred to as a “sandbur patch.”
In 1935, a group of parishioners organized a committee to clean up the cemetery. These same men organized the St. Stanislaus Cemetery Association to improve and care for the cemetery grounds. In 1982, Bishop Andrew G. Grutka established St. Stanislaus Cemetery as a diocesan cemetery.
The annual Memorial Day Mass at St. Stanislaus Cemetery is scheduled at 11 a.m. with Father Walter Ciesla presiding. Bishop Robert J. McClory will also celebrate a Memorial Day Mass on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery, near the St. Joseph of Arimathea Mausoleum, in Hammond.
For more information on the Gary Diocesan Cemeteries, call (219) 844-9475 or visit garycathcems.org.
