The ministry of Catholic cemeteries is a work of compassion, stewardship, and faith. For more than 36 years, Joseph B. Sankovich & Associates has accompanied dioceses, archdioceses, and parishes across the United States and Canada in strengthening this ministry. Our work reflects a commitment to the mission of Catholic cemeteries and to the identity of the Church as a community that remembers, honors, and prays for the dead. This commitment has taken shape through Interim Director appointments, evaluations of (arch)diocesan cemetery programs, and evaluations of parish cemeteries. Eleven engagements involved both types. Eighteen engagements focused exclusively on (arch)diocesan programs. Eight engagements were exclusive to parish cemeteries. Successfully completed engagements number more than five hundred. Our work is national in scope. We have served clients in New England, the Mid Atlantic, the Midwest, the Central North and South, and the West. We have worked in 20 states and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple jurisdictions in Canada. Over these years, we have served 12 archdioceses and 25 dioceses. Our client base also includes the Trustees of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, the Presbyterian Foundation, and the Loewen Group. In addition to six years as cemetery director for the Archdiocese of Seattle, eight years were spent in 4 interim director.

Diversity of Engagements

Interim Leadership Interim Director appointments provide continuity, stability, and pastoral presence during periods of transition. These assignments have included Springfield, Massachusetts; Gaylord, Michigan; Saginaw, Michigan; and Tucson, Arizona. In addition, six years were spent as cemetery director for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

(Arch)Diocesan Program Evaluations These evaluations consider the structure, policies, operations, and long term sustainability of diocesan and archdiocesan cemetery systems. They include 18 jurisdictions served exclusively at the (arch)diocesan level, as well as 11 jurisdictions where both diocesan programs and parish cemeteries were evaluated. Parish Cemetery Evaluations These engagements focus on the pastoral, operational, and financial health of parish cemeteries. Eight jurisdictions were served exclusively at the parish level, with additional parish work completed in 11 combined engagements.

Audiences Served

The ministry of Catholic cemeteries is shaped by culture, climate, history, and local pastoral practice. Our work reflects this diversity. We have served clients in New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Central North/South, and Western states. We have also worked in two Canadian Provinces. This breadth allows us to understand regional differences while offering guidance rooted in the universal mission of the Church.

Archdiocesan Clients include Anchorage, AK; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Los Angeles, CA; Milwaukee, WI; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN; Santa Fe, NM; and Washington, DC. Diocesan Clients include Fresno, Monterey, Oakland in CA; Crookston, Duluth, New Ulm, St. Cloud, Winona in MN; Gaylord and Saginaw in MI; Metuchen and Trenton in NJ. In addition are following states with individual dioceses served: Burlington, VT; Columbus and Toledo, OH; Lexington, KY; Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; Providence, RI; Sioux Falls, SD; Spokane, WA; Springfield, MA; Tucson, AZ; Wheeling-Charleston, WV; and Wilmington, DE. The Diocese of London, Ontario, Canada is also among this group.