Catholic Cemeteries sets open houses

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark is scheduling several open house events throughout Essex, Union, Bergen, Hudson, and Middlesex counties to help Catholics gain knowledge and confidence before the difficult time of grief arises. 

“In moments of grief, families shouldn’t be burdened with the added stress of making last-minute burial decisions,” states Joseph Heckel, Executive Director of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark. “That’s why we proactively engage with families to educate them on the indispensable advantages of preplanning their loved one’s final resting place.”

New Mausoleum Now Open at Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Come to the next Open House weekend, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Sunday, Sept. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum in East Hanover. The new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection expansion features elegant marble crypts, glass and marble cremation niches, and a new section dedicated exclusively to cremations.

The new section also features several magnificent works of sacred art, including a captivating two-story mosaic made exclusively for Gate of Heaven Cemetery by world-renowned Mellini Art and Glass Mosaics based in Florence, Italy, of Christ ascending from the tomb.

SUBSCRIBE TO JERSEY CATHOLIC NEWSLETTER

The new chapel mausoleum also includes 14 life-like statues of the stations of the cross handcrafted from wood made in Tyrol, Austria, almost 200 years ago. The sculptures were saved from St. Peter’s Church (formerly Queen of Angels) in Newark and were restored to their original glory.   

Go to our website to watch the video: www.GateofHeavenCemetery.org, or stop by. Memorial Planning Advisors will meet with you to share information about burial and cremation options, memorialization, and financial planning, with no obligation.

Are you keeping the cremains of your loved one at home?

Catholics believe the cremated remains of loved ones should be given a sacred and dignified resting space. Having cremains interred in a chapel mausoleum or cemetery also offers families a designated place and time to grieve, heal, pray, and honor the memories of their loved one, surrounded by magnificent liturgical art inspired by the Holy Family, the Apostles, heavenly saints, and angels.

By contrast, when the cremated remains are left in a home, they can fade into everyday life’s background and be forgotten.

Cremated remains can be interred in one of our mausoleums or cemeteries. Stop at one of the locations below or visit www.CatholicJourney.org for more details.

For those interested in a more natural or green burial alternative, Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah offers several options. The wildflowers and naturally occurring flora create a peaceful and serene setting for our Catholic families who prefer an eco-friendly memorial or those who may want an alternative to cremation. The Natural Burial Section at Maryrest offers families a “Living Memorial” in an undisturbed setting. Learn more at www.rcancem.org/catholic-green-burial.

Open House Schedule:
Sept. 16 & 17: Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover, N.J. 07936. www.GateofHeavenCemetery.org. (888) 459-0746.

Sept. 30 & Oct. 1: Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave., Mahwah, N.J. 07430. www.MaryrestCemetery.org. (888) 489-9095.

Sept. 30 & Oct. 1: Christ The King Cemetery, 980 Huron Road, Franklin Lakes, N.J. 07417. www.ChristTheKingCemetery.org. (888) 802-2933.

Oct. 14 & 15: Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd., North Arlington, N.J. 07031. www.HolyCross-Cemetery.org. (888) 467-8903.

Oct. 28 & 29: St. Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Inman Ave., Colonia, N.J. 07067. www.SaintGertrudeCemetery.org. (888) 444-2791.

Nov. 11 & 12: Holy Name Cemetery & Mausoleum, 823 West Side Ave., Jersey City, N.J. 07306. www.HolyNameCemetery.org (888) 621-0337.

About Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark

Catholic Cemeteries assist individuals and families before, during, and after losing a loved one. They also provide Monthly Masses of Remembrance celebrated at archdiocesan Catholic cemeteries throughout the year, typically during the first week of each month and on special days. Contact a caring and professional Memorial Planning Advisor at cemetery@rcan.org or learn more at www.CatholicJourney.org. Hablamos español: www.rcancem.org/en-espanol.