Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark has established November events to mark a month of remembrance. The events will commemorate All Saints Day, November 1, All Souls Day, November 2 and Cemetery Sunday on November 6. Observances include Masses, an inspirational concert, a symposium on coping with grief and a unique opportunity for the bereaved to personally express themselves in tribute to departed loved ones.
An integral aspect of the ministry of Catholic Cemeteries is to provide for the spiritual needs of its families. As part of this commitment, Remembrance Masses are celebrated on Memorial Day and throughout the year, typically the first Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of each month at its cemeteries. During November’s Masses of Remembrance, special prayers and intentions will be shared to mark the observance of All Saints and All Souls Days. Mass will be celebrated at Saint Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia on November 3, Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover on November 7, Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington on November 8, Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah on November 8 and Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City on November 9. For a complete schedule of Masses, visit www.rcancem.org, or stop by the cemetery’s main office. All are welcome to participate.
November 5th is Cemetery Sunday, a special day to remind us of the importance of Catholic cemeteries and the value of continued prayer for departed family members, friends and those who may have no one to pray for them. Catholic Cemeteries are sacred places, blessed and set aside as final resting places for the earthly remains of our faithful departed. They are visible reminders of our Catholic faith in the Resurrection and a sign of hope in God and His promise of everlasting life. All in the Catholic community are encouraged to join in a day of faith, prayer and remembrance by visiting one of our most sacred places… a Catholic cemetery.
Each year, Catholic Cemeteries sponsors A Concert in Honor of the Faithful Departed on Cemetery Sunday on November 5 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. The talented Cathedral Choir, organist Ian Tomesch and conductor John J. Miller, Director of Music Ministries for the Archdiocese of Newark, will present the concert beginning at 4:00 pm. This performance is intended to be a source of comfort and hope for those mourning the loss of a loved one. The Church gathers not only to pray for the repose of their souls, but to console one another by strengthening our hope and faith in the resurrection. Upon arrival, guests may enroll names of departed loved ones into a special Book of Remembrance. A free-will offering will be received and advance tickets are not necessary.
Prior to the concert is a short symposium to the bereaved by the Office of Family Life of the Archdiocese of Newark. This year’s pre-concert lecture, “Using Music to Cope with Grief,” starts at 3:20 pm in the Cathedral Chapel of Our Lady of Grace of the Cathedral Basilica. The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street in Newark. For more information visit www.CathedralBasilica.org or call 973-484-2400.
