November 26, 2023
The Fairfield County Catholic Cemeteries will host two Trees of Remembrance events during Advent and Christmas to give families an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed by hanging ornaments in their memory.
Members of the community are invited to take part in the events, which will be held at St. Mary/Putnam Cemetery in Greenwich and the St. Joseph Center in Trumbull. The family members do not have to be buried in the Catholic Cemeteries.
“Hanging an ornament with the name of a person you love who has died can be so healing,” said Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement for the Diocese of Bridgeport. “It can take a hard time and transform it into a healing moment, not just for you but for other members of your family.”
Jenine Berardesca, Family Services Director for Catholic Cemeteries, began the tradition last year in Greenwich, where some 200 people gathered to put ornaments on a 10-foot-tall spruce, which was lit throughout the Advent and Christmas season. She says they are already getting inquiries about this year’s event.
“It will give families a time to come together mutually and celebrate their loved ones during the holiday season,” Berardesca said. “The event is family friendly, and it will be a celebration of the season and a celebration of life. It is not limited to families of any denomination or to families only from Greenwich. Our invitation is joyously extended to everyone.”
The tree at St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery will be available to the public from Monday, November 27 until Friday, January 5, 2024. There will be a lighting ceremony with a special blessing, music and complimentary refreshments on Thursday, November 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 399 North Street in Greenwich. Berardesca requests that you do not bring ornaments that have great sentimental or financial value. For further information, call 203-742-1510 or go to [email protected]
Killian, who is organizing the event at St. Joseph Center in Trumbull, said individuals and families can bring an ornament or choose a complimentary one to place on the tree, which will be blessed by Father Nick Pavia, chaplain, during a lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 29 at 4 p.m. St. Joseph Center, which is a nursing care facility, is located at 6448 Main Street in Trumbull. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Abriola Parkview Funeral Home. For further information, call 203-404-0820 or email [email protected]
***
Sign Up for Healing Journey Messages
Receive a daily message to your email address.