When I was working full-time as an oncology and hospice nurse, I’d go to funerals pretty regularly. It wasn’t a required part of the job, but you grow pretty close to patients and their families when you provide that kind of care. After accompanying them on the final, often tumultuous stages of living and dying, it only seemed fitting to be a part of the final leave-taking whenever possible.

Yet, my presence as a healthcare provider could be a troubling reminder of what might’ve been a painful, agonizing process, so I always liked to keep a very low profile. Usually I’d arrive just as the service commenced, sign the book of remembrance in the vestibule, and sit in the back of the church. I’d sing and pray and cry with everyone else gathered, but then scoot out at the very end, but not before slipping a Mass card in the appropriate receptacle.... Click here to continue reading

Purchase a simple and dignified handmade wooden casket from either St. Meinrad Archabbey (Benedictine) or New Melleray Abbey (Trappist) and save considerable costs while supporting the work of the monks. The caskets and urns are made by monks and are reasonably priced and are blessed before shipping. Funeral Homes will be happy to receive these quality products. The Federal Trade Commission guarantees your freedom to purchase a casket and have it delivered to the funeral home of your choice without any additional fees. The monks will make all necessary shipping and delivery arrangements with you, the funeral home, and the shipper. Prepayment plans are available to lock in costs. For more information, contact the Benedictines and Trappists directly.

Click below for more information:
http://www.abbeycaskets.com/
http://www.trappistcaskets.com/