Gate of Heaven and Calvary Cemeteries – Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Business Description:
Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery is owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The ancient ministry of the Catholic cemetery reflects the Christian recognition of the sacredness of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit on Earth. This ministry, as with all ministries, seeks the same objectives regardless of external influences. That is, to serve the people whom God has entrusted to our care.

The first interment was in 1948 on these beautiful grounds. God’s beauty spreads across 140 acres as the final resting place for over 60,000 souls of our Christian brothers and sisters.  The ministry of the Catholic Cemetery, through the laying of our loved ones to rest on these consecrated grounds and the ongoing ministering to those who mourn them, provides both spiritual and corporal works of mercy, fulfilling our Christian walk with Christ and His Church.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

At a mid-point in my corporate career, I was looking for a more meaningful way to provide for my family and serve others.  Through an unsolicited referral by a priest friend, and perhaps some divine guidance, I was introduced to the opportunity to manage a cemetery in Florida.  After some hesitation, I pursued the opportunity and never looked back.  Having experienced the recent passing of my father and recognizing the beauty and joy associated with death following a life well-lived, despite the sadness of loss, I quickly embraced the ministry of the cemetery and the message of hope that it represents.  I saw God’s hand in preparing and directing me to this meaningful vocation.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was raised as a Catholic and have experienced repeated conversions and renewal of faith, throughout my life.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I can no longer imagine conducting business without a strong foundation of faith and ministry.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

The admonition that, “we are in this world, but not of it” permeates every consideration and policy that we enact.  The opportunity to evangelize and minister to individuals at a very vulnerable time is a great privilege and a great responsibility.