What Makes a Cemetery Catholic?

There are very significant questions that Catholics must ask themselves at various times in their lives—decisions that need to be made with long-term consequences. Should the children go to a Catholic school or not? When a loved one passes from this life, should a Catholic cemetery be contacted for a burial place? What are the reasons that we choose one cemetery over another? What distinguishes Catholic cemeteries from the other cemeteries in our area?

First of all, Catholic cemeteries have been blessed by the bishop. Those who staff Catholic cemeteries see their work as a ministry. They recognize their work allows them to fulfill both a corporal (to bury the dead) and spiritual (console the sorrowful) work of mercy. Their work allows them to reach out to others at a most difficult and challenging time.

The concept of Christianity dominates every aspect of our Catholic cemeteries. Statues, shrines, mosaics, and stained glass artwork remind us of the promise of eternal life that is given to us by our Savior’s resurrection. Our burial grounds are places of hope where we are inspired to pray for our loved one’s souls and anticipate being joined with them for all eternity.

Mass is offered on a regular basis in our cemeteries to remember those buried there. A great source of spiritual strength can be found in joining others who are grieving and who will celebrate the Eucharist on the very grounds where our loved ones are buried.

It is a difficult time when we give our loved ones back to God as they leave this life. Catholic cemeteries are equipped in every way possible to assist us prior to that moment as well as at the time of burial and thereafter. They will help us to look beyond the tomb, beyond the world to remember the theology of hope taught by the Resurrection of Jesus. That is what makes us different. That is what makes Catholic Cemeteries unique.