As they were coming to terms with the tragedy of losing their twins Zoe and Bailey to miscarriage, Ali and Kevin Copeland faced a terrible dilemma: how to honor the physical remains of their girls.
Unfamiliar with the process of interment for pre-natal and infant persons, Ali says they began to investigate the costs and were stunned by what they discovered.
“I didn’t realize how expensive it was, it was overwhelming,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where to go and what the right thing to do was.
“The lab was going to dispose of my little girls. I didn’t think that was right.”
The couple, parishioners of Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga, shared their dilemma with Father Jorge Tellez, parochial vicar. He connected them with the Diocesan Office of Catholic Cemeteries and an opportunity for a holy resting place for Zoe and Bailey at Holy Innocents Columbarium.
Located on the grounds behind St. Junipero Serra House of Formation in Grand Terrace, the columbarium was dedicated by Bishop Alberto Rojas in October of 2023 as a final resting place for pre-natal and infant remains for families who have limited financial resources. Memorial Masses are celebrated there several times a year, allowing grieving families a chance to feel the support of the local Church and experience appropriate Catholic burial rites. On February 21, Father Dr. Javier Gonzalez Cabrera, pastor of adjacent parish Christ the Redeemer, celebrated a memorial service with the Copelands and another family who had faced similar circumstances.
“It was such a relief, it brought me to tears,” Ali shared. “Those grounds are there. I’m able to go and see my little girls whenever I want to.”
The burial program is funded through donations and the Diocesan Cemeteries Corporation. For more information on how to participate or to make a donation please contact the Diocesan Cemeteries Office at (909) 475-5136.