Memorial Day Masses across Catholic cemeteries honor veterans, families

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark is inviting veterans, their families, and friends to join Memorial Day Masses on Monday, May 29, at 11 a.m. across various archdiocesan cemeteries.

The Memorial Day Masses honor the memory of fallen heroes, acknowledge the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel, and include prayers for all those interred in our cemeteries and mausoleums.

“Each name engraved on these sacred grounds represents a hero who served our nation with honor, a loving family member who supported them, and a story of courage that inspires us all,” said Andrew P. Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries, expressing his appreciation for the veterans and their families. “We are humbled to celebrate and remember their legacies, forever cherishing the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”

Most Masses will be held outdoors under large canopy tents – rain or shine, with seating provided. Gate of Heaven and Maryrest cemeteries Masses will be held indoors.

After last year’s successful return to open-air celebrations, this year’s event promises to be equally inspiring, allowing local Catholics to experience Memorial Day Mass with family and friends as a united community.

The Archdiocese will also celebrate the dedication of the new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection at Gate of Heaven Cemetery by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D., Archbishop of Newark.

The new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection at Gate of Heaven Cemetery features marble crypts, glass cremation niches, a two-story mosaic of the Resurrected Christ, and 14 life-like wooden statues of the stations of the cross, handcrafted nearly 200 years ago in Tyrol, Austria. The dedication ceremony will serve as a testament to the unwavering faith of the community.

Active military personnel and veterans are encouraged to participate in the Memorial Day Mass by carrying wreaths or candles, serving as Lectors or gift presenters, or reciting intercessions.

Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated simultaneously Monday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at various Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries locations with distinguished celebrants.

• Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D.
• Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington – Most Reverend Manuel A. Cruz, D.D.
• Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ – Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, D.D.
• Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia – Most Reverend Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., D.D.
• Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City – Most Reverend Gregory J. Studerus, D.D.
• Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes – Very Reverend John J. Chadwick, S.T.D.
• Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange – Rev. Philip J. Waters, O.S.B.

Visit www.rcancem.org/memorial-day-mass for more information and location details.

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark is committed to honoring and remembering veterans and over one thousand American flags are placed at the memorials of interred veterans for Memorial Day, remaining through Flag Day.