“We’re talking about things that can be challenging. But once people start asking questions, you can see how much they want this information.”
Through a growing partnership between Catholic Charities and Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services (CFCS), Deacon AJ Misiti, Director of Parish Outreach at Catholic Charities, and Erin Scherer, Outreach Coordinator at CFCS, are visiting Catholic Charities Housing communities for seniors as well as the Mulroy Senior Center, which provides community, support and services that help prevent isolation.
At each location, they guide residents through important end-of-life planning conversations, offering both practical information and spiritual insight.
During these visits, residents ask direct and often urgent questions:
• “What happens if I can’t afford a funeral?”
• “Can I be cremated?”
• “Who makes decisions if I don’t have family nearby?”
• “What should I have in place now?”
• “What is the Catholic teaching behind keeping ashes together?”
Each session helps residents better understand their options while reinforcing a deeper truth: every life has value, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity—both in life and after death.
Erin walks through the essentials—how funeral homes, cemeteries and churches each play a role, what pre-planning involves and what steps can ease the burden on loved ones later.
“A lot of people assume someone else will figure it out,” Erin said. “But having a plan in place really helps reduce stress for everyone.”
For many seniors, especially those living alone or on fixed incomes, financial concerns are significant. CFCS shares information about available resources to ensure no one is overlooked or forgotten, including burial assistance through counties and ministry programs like the Crypt of All Souls, which provides a free option for the interment of cremated remains.
One of the most practical tools shared during these presentations is the Colorado Declaration of Disposition form. This simple legal document allows individuals to clearly state their wishes for their final arrangements and designate a trusted person to carry them out—helping ensure those wishes are known and respected.
For Holy Family Plaza resident Mary Anne, the presentation brought both clarity and reassurance.
“This was helpful to understand what is available and how to use the Declaration of Disposition form,” she said. “I have everything planned, but it’s assuring to know that this form will help my family honor my wishes.”
These presentations reflect a broader pro-life mission—honoring the dignity of the human person at every stage, including the end of life.
Deacon AJ also helps answer questions about Catholic teaching, including care for the body and the importance of treating it with reverence.
“It is a beautiful gift from God when we are able to bring his peace to others. We have residents who have very, very little and, sadly, no family to make arrangements for them when they die. They were so relieved to find out that there was a way there remains would be treated with dignity and respect when they die,” said Deacon AJ.
A central principle of Catholic Social Teaching, Life and Dignity of the Human Person reminds us that every individual is created in God’s image. No matter someone’s circumstances, each life carries inherent dignity and deserves compassion, respect and care.
Residents leave with more than just information. Many take practical steps, like completing a Colorado Declaration of Disposition form, and just as importantly, they leave with a renewed sense of peace—knowing their life and their final wishes matter.
“You can tell people feel relieved,” Erin said. “They just needed someone to walk them through it in a way that doesn’t feel scary.”
Through this partnership, Catholic Charities continues to meet seniors where they are—offering clear guidance, compassionate support and a consistent message: every life has value, and every person deserves to be remembered with dignity.