Seventeen-year-old Grady Leneghan still remembers the Greek Orthodox funeral he attended last September in Cleveland—its solemn rituals were unlike the Roman Catholic traditions he knew. Yet what stayed with him most was the absence of any family or loved ones to say goodbye to the deceased.
As a pallbearer through Saint Ignatius High School’s St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry, Grady helped honor those who pass without family, offering dignity and respect by carrying them to their final resting place.
A Ministry Born from Compassion
Founded in 2003 with just a dozen students serving three funerals, the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry at Saint Ignatius High School has blossomed into a powerful force of compassion. Now, nearly 400 students volunteer each year, carrying out as many as 180 funerals for those who pass without family.
For students like Grady Leneghan, the experience is both solemn and deeply meaningful. “It makes you appreciate more of what you are, and who you are as a person,” he reflects.
Training for Dignity and Reverence
Programs like these provide careful, hands-on training to help students fully grasp the gravity of their role as pallbearers. Blaise Weidmann, a junior at McQuaid Jesuit in Rochester, New York, shared his experience: “We learned exactly how to lift the casket out of the hearse, how to carry it properly… and the pace we must keep while walking.” But the training goes beyond technique—students also join in prayers and hymns, offering spiritual comfort and honoring the lives they carry.
A Growing Movement Spreading Nationwide
The impact of Saint Ignatius’ Pallbearer Ministry has sparked a wave of similar programs at schools like Catholic Memorial in Massachusetts and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. These initiatives share a common mission: to uphold the Christian belief in the inherent dignity of every person—no matter their social ties or family circumstances. Richard Mazyck, service coordinator at the University of Detroit Jesuit, expressed it clearly: “Every person is made in the image of God and is deserving of particular regard and respect.”
Honoring Lives Too Often Forgotten
Many of the funerals these students serve are for individuals who were homeless, elderly, or estranged from their families. At Cleveland’s Potter’s Field—a burial ground for the homeless—Saint Ignatius students take part in annual services, ensuring that those forgotten by society receive a final act of honor.
Program coordinator Pat Valletta recalls, “We’ve been to funerals where the only people present are the six pallbearers, the adult who drives them, the funeral director, and the priest.”
Moments of Deep, Profound Connection
Even when family members are absent, student pallbearers bring comfort to those who do attend. Evan Solar, a senior at Saint Ignatius, remembers a poignant moment when offering a sympathy card brought a mourner to tears. “She broke down and was so appreciative and thankful,” he shared—a powerful reminder of how their small gestures carry profound meaning.
Honoring Those Who Served
Some pallbearer programs go a step further by honoring veterans who pass away without family. At Catholic Memorial, students participate in funeral Masses and military honors, ensuring these heroes receive the respect and recognition they deserve. Peter Folan, president of Catholic Memorial, reflects on the profound impact this has on the students: “Kids begin to understand that these are people who have sacrificed so much.”
A True Corporal Work of Mercy
Grounded in Catholic social teaching, these pallbearer programs exemplify a “corporal work of mercy”—a core act of charity within the faith. Adam Baber, director of service and justice at McQuaid Jesuit, describes this mission as both honorable and deeply fulfilling. “It’s a tangible way to live out that work of mercy,” he explains.
Presence: The Ultimate Gift
For students like Evan Solar, serving as a pallbearer goes far beyond obligation. “We’re all called to serve, and it’s not always about grand gestures like building a well,” he reflected. Instead, he emphasized the power of simply showing up—being present—a profound act of respect that leaves an enduring impact on both the living and those who have passed.