With regret, I announce that the Catholic Sentinel can no longer print free obituaries for the laity. Even before the pandemic, newspapers were having a rough go. The past year made it yet harder to pay our hard-working staff, who have families to support.

And so, obituaries received after Feb. 15 will be submitted to advertising representatives, who will reach out and give information on pricing.

The Sentinel may well have been the last newspaper on the planet to print obituaries at no charge. We did so as long as possible because we cherish the inspiring, enriching and sometimes amusing life stories of our big Catholic family.

Our prices will be considerably lower than those at other newspapers. I hope you still will deem the Sentinel the place to celebrate and honor your loved ones.