Catholic Cemeteries Open House will highlight Gate of Heaven expansion
Losing a loved one is a significant life event that is often a time of sorrow, uncertainty, and worry.
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 that difficult time arises.
“A time of loss is a time of confusion, and final arrangements do not have to add to the uncertainty,” said Andrew P. Schafer, Executive Director of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark. “The worries of last-minute burial arrangements should not become part of a family’s grieving process, especially when experiencing profound sorrow. We reach out regularly to families to inform them about the valuable benefits of preplanning.”
Learn about the new expansion
The open-house weekend will take place Saturday, Sept. 17, and Sunday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum in East Hanover. Visitors will learn more about the new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection that will be opening this fall. It will feature elegant marble crypts, glass and marble cremation niches, and a new section dedicated exclusively to cremations.
The new section will also feature several magnificent works of sacred art, including a two-story mosaic of Jesus Christ ascending from the tomb. The mosaic was made exclusively for Gate of Heaven Cemetery by world-renowned studio Mellini Art and Glass Mosaics based in Florence, Italy, which has created world-class works of sacred art for the last 70 years.
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 have been restored to their original glory.
To learn more, watch the video at: www.GateofHeavenCemetery.org, or stop by.
Keeping the cremains of a loved one at home? Consider a sacred and proper burial space
The Catholic Church’s Catechism teaches that every spiritual soul “is immortal: It does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection” (CCC 366).
As a result, 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.
Plan by attending one of the open house events below. There is no obligation or appointment necessary. Go to www.CatholicJourney.org for more details.
Fall Open House event schedule:
Sept. 17 and 18: Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover www.GateofHeavenCemetery.org. 888-459-0746.
Oct. 1 and 2: Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave., Mahwah www.MaryrestCemetery.org. 888-489-9095.
Oct. 1 and 2: Christ The King Cemetery, 980 Huron Road, Franklin Lakes www.ChristTheKingCemetery.org. 888-802-2933.
October 15 & 16: Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd., North Arlington www.HolyCross-Cemetery.org. 888-467-8903.
Oct. 29 and 30: St. Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Inman Ave. Coloniawww.SaintGertrudeCemetery.org. 888-444-2791.
Nov. 12 and 13: Holy Name Cemetery & Mausoleum, 823 West Side Ave., Jersey City www.HolyNameCemetery.org 888-621-0337.
Featured photo: New Mosaic at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum. (COURTESY CATHOLIC CEMETERIES)
