A Movement of Mercy and Presence

The simple act of showing up has rippled far beyond Cleveland. Inspired by Saint Ignatius, other schools — including Catholic Memorial in Massachusetts and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School — have adopted similar programs. Each one shares a single belief: every life deserves dignity in death.

“Every person is made in the image of God and is deserving of respect,” said Richard Mazyck, a service coordinator at Detroit Jesuit. Students often find themselves as the only attendees at a funeral — six pallbearers, a priest, and a funeral director. “We’ve served at funerals where literally no one else came,” shared coordinator Pat Valletta of Saint Ignatius.

Yet even in that quiet, moments of connection emerge. Senior Evan Solar once handed a sympathy card to a stranger at a service. “She broke down in tears,” he recalled. “She was just so thankful someone cared.”

These programs also serve veterans who die without family, ensuring they receive proper honors. “Kids begin to recognize that these are people who sacrificed much,” said Peter Folan, president of Catholic Memorial.

For the students, the experience is transformative — a living lesson in empathy. As Adam Baber of McQuaid Jesuit put it, “It’s a concrete way to put that work of mercy into practice.”

Ultimately, their presence becomes the greatest gift. “We’re all called to serve,” said Solar. “It doesn’t always look like building a well. Sometimes, it’s just showing up — and reminding the world that every life matters.”