Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Despite cold weather conditions, a significant number of people gathered at Calvary Cemetery on December 6 to participate in the Tree of Remembrance event. This annual gathering is organized by Catholic Cemeteries, an agency of the Archdiocese of Louisville, and serves as a tribute to deceased loved ones during the Advent season.

Bridget Lampton and her sister Robin Lampton attended the event to honor their father, Pat, who passed away on February 7, 2018. Bridget commented on the significance of the event, stating, “This is a really good tribute.” The sisters chose an ornament shaped like their father's favorite car, a Volkswagen Beetle. Robin added that their father "loved Christmas." They plan to retrieve the ornament after Christmas and use it again next year.

The event included a prayer service led by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. Attendees participated in singing "O Come, O come Emmanuel" before lighting up the tree adorned with numerous ornaments and colorful lights.

Participants were offered spherical glass ornaments provided by Catholic Cemeteries to personalize under a heated tent. Bennye Middleton was among those who attended for the first time. She dedicated an ornament to her late husband, Rev. Omer L. Middleton III of St. Stephen Baptist Church, who died in October and is entombed at Calvary.

The Tree of Remembrance is accessible to individuals of all faiths throughout Advent until January 6, the feast of Epiphany. Ornaments can be collected until then; uncollected ones will be buried at the cemetery.