Representatives of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Catholic Mortuaries, a subsidiary of Stewart Enterprises, Inc., broke ground recently for construction of a two-story mortuary on the grounds of Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

Santa Barbara Region Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Curry blessed the ground upon which Santa Clara Mortuary will be constructed, with a projected opening in spring 2005. Designed by J. Stuart Todd, Inc., the mortuary will feature a chapel, large visitation rooms and state of the art preparation facilities.

"The community is really looking forward to the mortuary opening," said Mike Rogers, area vice president of Catholic Mortuaries in Culver City. "Many have seen the plans and believe the mortuary will be a nice addition to the cemetery."

Director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Jim Tixier said, "This mortuary will provide a new level of service and support to our parish communities, and enhance Santa Clara Cemetery's ability to attend to the future needs of our Catholic families."

Catholic Mortuaries, a subsidiary of Stewart Enterprises, Inc., currently provides Catholic family services for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at All Souls Mortuary, Calvary Mortuary, Holy Cross Mortuary, Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary and Queen of Heaven Mortuary.