Outdoor Mass at cemetery remembers relatives, those who passed fighting for nation's freedom

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
June 1, 2006

More than 300 people gathered on the hilltop at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City for the traditional Memorial Day Mass.

Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Richard Zenk, director of the cemetery.

In his homily, Msgr. Zenk said, "We gather this morning to remember and to pray for all those who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy in this country and also to remember and to pray for all of our deceased family members, relatives and friends who have gone before us. We pray especially for all those who have been buried or interned in this cemetery."

The priest spoke of a recent newspaper article that mentioned a member of the National Guard who had volunteered to return to Iraq for a second tour. The soldier had written to this friends and asked for three things. He had told them not to lose hope in the face of negative reporting because they were doing good work in Iraq "and God is with us. Second, pray for those of us who have chosen to serve our nation and the liberties espoused by our constitution." The soldier also asked that they never take for granted the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.

"Yes, I think this soldier's suggestions are worthy of our consideration. Pray for the success of our efforts for peace. Pray for those who are serving the cause of peace and thank God for the freedoms which we take for granted," said Msgr. Zenk.

He reminded them that through this Mass they were offering prayers for the souls of purgatory.

"We believe that we can assist these departed brothers and sisters in purgatory by our prayers, sacrifices and Masses for their intentions," said Msgr. Zenk.

The liturgy closed with the song Ave Maria.

For some of the people present, attending the Mass has become an annual family tradition. For others, this was their first time to take part in the Memorial Day Mass.

Louie Welch, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Sioux City, mentioned that this was the first time he attended the Mass. Part of his motivation for doing so was the recent death of his brother.

"We wanted to visit the grave and thought it would be a good opportunity to attend the Mass," he noted. "It was really great."

Marilyn Mayer, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament, said she has attended this Mass for many years - since she was a child. Her father and sister are buried at Calvary. She plans to keep the family tradition going, bringing one of her grandchildren to the service.

She pointed out that her mother recently had a stroke, so it was very important for her to attend the liturgy.

For Eddie Moran, Jr., a native of Sioux City who now resides in Newcastle, Neb., this celebration is also a family tradition. In addition, he is a veteran, so it's nice to remember those in the military.

"I used to come every year, but when my wife died and after I remarried we go to my wife's late husband's grave one year and come here one year," he explained. "My parents and my father's parents are also buried here."

He particularly likes the fact that Mass is celebrated at Calvary. His wife and daughter Cynthia, who continues to make the Calvary liturgy a yearly celebration, joined him at the liturgy.

"It's always nice to see Msgr. Zenk," added Moran, who said he worked with the priest on a project for Papal Volunteers for Latin America.

Linda Kempers, who attended the service with her two sisters, said she has attended this Mass since she was a child.

"It's good to pray for our loved ones - it's remembering them always," she said. "This is holy ground. It's also good to be with other people, it's part of our heritage as Catholics."

Kempers' sister Tracy Althaus said it's like a welcome home.

"All of our relatives - grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins - are all buried here and Linda's grandchild," she said.

Another of the sisters' Donna Kritzer pointed out that it was kind of overcast and it was chilly at first but once they started distributing Communion, the sky cleared up and was sunny.

Msgr. Zenk extended gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for their part in hosting the event. He also gave thanks to the cemetery works who helped prepare the site for the celebration.

He mentioned that this Mass has been held for many years in the diocese. Former bishops have celebrated the Mass as well as chaplains of the Knights of Columbus. Msgr. Zenk has celebrated the special liturgy about the last seven or eight years.