Cemetery committee holds first meeting

In light of recent community concerns about the state of Holy Cross and St. Patrick cemeteries in Butte, Bishop George Leo Thomas has appointed a Butte cemetery community committee to propose both short-term management plans and long-term solutions.
The committee held their first meeting in Butte on Sept. 12.
Msgr. Kevin O’Neill, V.G., is chair of the committee. Committee members in attendance at the inaugural meeting included Margaret Leary, Maureen Yelenich, Sheri Broudy, Father Gregory Burke, Jim Sullivan, Gil Richards, Ed Morris, Mary Kane and Joe Zderiok.
The committee will meet again on Sept. 25 in Butte.
Msgr. O’Neill noted that several short-term plans are being considered to improve security at St. Patrick Cemetery. Vandals have been stealing sections of the wrought-iron fence.
“The Ancient Order of Hibernians will begin fundraising to address the fencing issue. This is a priority shared by the Bishop, and addressing the fencing issue and gates at St. Patrick’s Cemetery will be the first matter of business. We’re also looking at security lighting for that location,” he said.
“It was discussed and agreed upon that there is no short-term solution to this problem. There will be work done consistently over four to five years, building and expanding upon each year to underscore good faith with good works.”
Msgr. O’Neill explained that the Diocese of Helena has had long-range plans to dig wells at St. Patrick, to install a new sprinkling system, to raise soil for an even surface, to hydroseed and to upright tombstones which have been overturned.
He also said that Holy Cross Cemetery has already made significant gains and improvements in its condition over the past month, with the repair of the sprinkler system. The principal concern lies with St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
“We have a moral obligation to provide a beautiful resting place for our Catholic faithful,” Bishop Thomas remarked, adding that many of his relatives are buried in the two cemeteries.

Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 23, No. 9, September 21, 2007.