Saying farewell with dignity
CHARLOTTE — “It was a tragic day — a very tragic day. I lost someone who I cared for deeply, who I loved with all my heart.”
That’s how Joe, a participant of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, remembers the morning in 2024 when his wife, Lisa, suddenly passed away.
She had left for work as usual – only to be struck and killed by a car minutes later.
In the days that followed, Joe discovered that grief often comes with another burden: the cost of laying Lisa to rest.
For many families, funeral and burial expenses – often totaling between $10,000 and $15,000 – are an overwhelming financial challenge. For those already struggling to make ends meet, the unexpected cost deepens the emotional weight of loss.
Amid that heartbreak, Catholic Charities offers something families need most: hope.
In the wake of profound grief, Catholic Charities’ Burial Assistance Program stands as a living expression of mercy, offering hope and practical help when families face one of life’s hardest moments.
A Faith-Rooted Mission
One of the Church’s corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead, upholding the dignity of every person even in death. Since 1994, when Mecklenburg County ceased funding indigent burials, Catholic Charities has worked in partnership with funeral homes, social workers, local officials and caring community members to fill that void.
What began in Mecklenburg County has now expanded to serve all 46 counties across the Diocese of Charlotte, ensuring that families throughout western North Carolina can access respectful burial or cremation support.
Serving Amid Growing Need
The burial program is designed for families who have no insurance, cannot negotiate payment plans, or lack the resources for traditional funeral costs.
In the past year, Catholic Charities assisted with 199 dignified burials or cremations across the diocese.
“Walking alongside families in their grief can be very hard,” says Sylvia Sekle, Direct Assistance Coordinator in Charlotte. “But offering even a small measure of relief gives me hope – hope that they can feel honored in loss, not crushed by it.”
Compassion in Partnership
Catholic Charities handles eligibility screening and program coordination at no cost to grieving families. Financial assistance comes from the generosity of individual donors, parishes and civic groups. Local funeral homes play a vital role as partners, offering services at reduced or flexible rates where possible.
“Donors and funeral homes are the backbone of this ministry,” says Dr. Gerard Carter, CEO of Catholic Charities. “Through their generosity and partnership, we can live out the Church’s mission – offering hope, compassion and dignity even in the depth of loss.”
Restoring Hope Through Dignity
Joe still becomes emotional when he speaks of Lisa and the support he received. “I didn’t know where to turn. I didn’t know what to do. The funeral home told me about Catholic Charities, and the person there was extraordinary – kind, respectful and dignified. She treated me like a human being.”
With Catholic Charities’ help, Joe was able to bury Lisa with dignity. In that act, he found a glimmer of hope in his grief.
“They gave me hope,” he says quietly. “Hope that things would be OK – and they were.”
— Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte