Burying the dead is one of the traditional works of mercy the Church encourages. While the entirety of Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services’ ministry is caring for our deceased brothers and sisters, the group also engages in a special work of mercy for the community. Twice a year, Holy Cross accepts and prepares for burial unclaimed remains from the Spokane County’s Medical Examiner’s Office.

At Holy Cross Cemetery on North Wall Street, you can find a special crypt named for the Holy Angels where the unclaimed, and sometimes unknown, remains are buried. On April 15, more than 60 remains were interred. Bishop Thomas Daly presided over the committal service, leading prayers for the deceased as they were buried.

Rick McLean, executive director of Holy Cross, said he sees the burial of unclaimed remains as part of their identity at Holy Cross. “It is part of the ministry we do to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be placed in sacred ground.”