1

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

Fall/Winter 2018

Catholic

November Events Mark

Month of Remembrance

The month of November is often associated with

remembering deceased loved ones and others who

have lost their lives. The Season of Remembrance begins with All Saints’ Day on November 1

st, which

celebrates all the saints and martyrs of the Catholic

faith, and All Souls’ Day on November 2nd

when we

remember all the departed.

This remembrance continues with the celebration of

our monthly Masses. An integral aspect of the ministry

of Catholic Cemeteries is to provide for the spiritual

needs of our families. As part of this commitment,

Remembrance Masses are celebrated at our Chapel

Mausoleums throughout the year, typically the first

week each month. 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 as follows:

Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City - Thurs., Nov. 1

Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia - Fri., Nov. 2

Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington - Wed., Nov. 7

Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah - Wed., Nov. 7

Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover - Tues.,

Nov. 13

For a complete Mass schedule , visit www.rcancem.org

or stop by the cemetery’s main office. All are welcome

to participate.

(continued on page 2)

Holy Cross Cemetery

Honored with

Historic Preservation Award

At an awards ceremony this

past spring, Catholic

Cemeteries was presented

with the 2018 Bergen County Historic Preservation Award in the

category of Continuing Preservation and Use for its

Holy Cross Cemetery 1936 Office

Building Preservation Project in North Arlington.

The Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards

are presented annually by Bergen County

Executive James J. Tedesco III, the Board of

Chosen Freeholders, the Department of Parks, the

Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the

Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory

Board. Joseph Verzi, Assistant Executive Director

of Catholic Cemeteries, was on hand to accept the

award.

“The essence of historic preservation is

exemplified uniquely in our cemeteries because

they serve as a primary place of remembrance of

those we loved,” said Verzi. “The names we place

on cemetery markers, monuments, and walls of

columbaria and mausoleums indicate where the

remains of our loved ones reside, and we can find

them and tell others how to find them in our

historic office building at Holy Cross Cemetery.”

Click Here to open Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony Program (see pgs. 7 & 8)

Holy Cross Cemetery’s office building was added

to the cemetery grounds in 1936, almost three

decades after farm owners sold the property to

the Archdiocese of Newark to help establish a final

and fine resting place for the area’s Catholic

community.

(continued on page 3)

2

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

(“Remembrance” continued from page 1)

Join us for a free Cathedral Concert in Honor of the

Faithful Departed on Sunday, November 4, at 4.00pm

in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in

Newark. This concert is intended to be a source of

comfort and hope for those mourning the loss of a

loved one. The Church gathers to pray for the repose

of their souls and to console one another by

strengthening our hope and faith in the Resurrection.

The concert features the voices of the Cathedral

Choir and the talent of the Chamber Orchestra. A

free-will offering will be received, and no advance

tickets are needed. Guests may enroll names of

departed loved ones into the Book of Remembrance.

More information at www.CathedralBasilica.org.

Join us for a free pre-concert lecture for the bereaved

at 3:20pm on Sunday, November 4 in The Cathedral

Lady Chapel of the Basilica in Newark. “Not the End: Continuing to Live with our Loved Ones,” is

presented by the Office of Family Life Ministry of the

Archdiocese of Newark.

Sunday, November 4th

also marks Cemetery Sunday,

a day to remind us of the importance of Catholic

cemeteries and the value of continued prayer for

departed loved ones 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 our 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.

On Sunday, November 11th

– Veterans Day – we

proudly honor our veterans with “An American

Moment,” a moment of prayer at 12 noon at our

Catholic Cemeteries as a mark of respect and

commemoration for those who died in the two world

wars and subsequent conflicts. Please remember our

Veterans in your prayers.

Remembering loved ones with a greeting card is a

common expression of affection. At Catholic

Cemeteries, families and visitors are offered the

opportunity to express themselves to departed loved

ones on life-sized greeting cards available during

important holidays and celebrations. These include

Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,

Memorial Day, and All Saints and All Souls Days, and

Cemetery Sunday (see photos). Heartfelt prayers and

personal expressions of love and remembrance for

departed loved ones fill the banners placed near the

cemeteries’ entrances two weeks prior to each

holiday.

For more information on how to commemorate a

deceased loved one, visit www.rcancem.org.

Bereavement Support Groups

General Bereavement Support Groups typically meet in a

parish setting with varied formats. The goal is to provide a

safe place where the bereaved can share experiences with

others, learn about the process of grief, and receive sup-

port from their Church family during a difficult time. For

locations and times of the general bereavement support

groups, contact the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of

Family Life Ministries at (973) 497-4327 or visit online

www.rcan.org/parishes-by-city-support-groups

“It is the pious tradition during these days for the faithful to go visit the graves of their

dear ones and to pray for them.” - Saint John Paul II

A visitor expresses a personal message of love and remembrance on a life-sized greeting card available at Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries on special holidays.

3

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

(“Award” continued from page 1)

Little did the farmers know that one-fifth of North

Arlington or about 208 acres would become the

largest Catholic Cemetery in New Jersey with over

300,000 memorials. This is about 20 interments for

each living person in the town. Central to the

cemetery’s operations has been the historic Holy

Cross Office building.

By 2012, the building was showing its age from 80

years of wear and tear from water infiltration, acid

rain, and nonexistent insulation. Also, the extensive

and growing number of archives needed additional

interior space to preserve the records of those who

died and were memorialized therein. The humble

building just steps off busy Ridge Road had been a

familiar comfort to generations of grieving Catholics

crossing its threshold to conduct the final business

of a passed life. Understanding this, the Archdiocese

of Newark decided to fully commit to the

preservation of this cemetery records office building.

Within three-and-a-half-years, the project was

planned and designed and preservation of the

original building and construction of its addition

were completed. During this time, the original

building was brought into compliance with modern

building codes, thereby extending the structure’s

useful life into the foreseeable future. The building

reopened in 2017 and continues to be a central

resource for genealogists researching the Holy Cross

Cemetery archives, which contain over 300,000

memorials.

To learn more about Holy Cross Cemetery and

Mausoleum and the Catholic Cemeteries of the

Archdiocese of Newark, visit www.rcancem.org.

Joseph Verzi, Asst. Exec. Director, Catholic Cemeteries (center) and Tom Melito, Construction Supervisor, Catholic Cemeteries (third), accepts the Award from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board.

Keeping all in our thoughts & prayers

during Breast Cancer

Awareness month.

4

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

NEW Committal Gazebo at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes

NEW Garden Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

NEW Garden Mausoleum at Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia

NEW SACRED RESTING SPACES NOW AVAILABLE To better serve our Catholic families, many new sacred spaces are now available at our beautiful cemeteries and mausoleums including luminous glass-front cremation niches, traditional ground spaces by new committal gazebos, and new exquisite garden mausoleums with crypt and cremation niche spaces. Stop by, call 888-498-5209 or visit online www.CemeteryMinistry.org.

NEW Glass-Front Cremation Niches at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

NEW Glass-Front Cremation Niches at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington and

Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City

5

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

The Order of Christian Funerals

The Catholic funeral rite is divided into three parts: the Vigil (Wake); Funeral Mass; and the Rite of Committal. These meaningful Church rituals guide our Catholic family at the time of loss. If cremation is chosen as the body’s final disposition, cremation should take place after the Funeral Mass since funeral rites are designed to be celebrated in the body’s presence. To help our Catholic community during this difficult and often confusing time, a free 6-minute video, “Many Travelers, One Journey,” is available in English or Spanish. Watch online at www.rcancem.org/ocf.

Honor their Ashes

Keeping cremated remains at home may be a sign of love and grief, but family members may not understand that a deceased loved one now belongs to the entire community of faith and not just to his/her closest relatives. If you are holding the cremated remains of a loved one at home, whether they departed recently or many years ago, consider bringing them to a Catholic cemetery. The dignified and permanent interment of a Catholic’s cremated remains in a sacred place properly recognizes the Order of Christian Funerals. Placing cremated remains in a sacred place also prevents us from forgetting the deceased or from being shown a lack of respect. This can happen as time goes on or as family members closest to the deceased pass away, too. The promise of Catholic Cemeteries is to provide a dignified, permanent and sacred resting place for your loved one. Speak with a Memorial Planning Advisor to learn about your options. Stop by, call or visit online where free video resources also are available: www.rcancem.org.

Consider Pre-Planning

Planning arrangements ahead shows care and concern for your family and relieves them of tough decisions during a difficult time. Consider the advantages of planning today: Family Heritage - make certain your loved ones

are together Peace of Mind - know you will ease your family’s

burden during a difficult and painful time Assurance - ensure arrangements are set

according to your wishes Statement of Faith - burial in the consecrated

ground of a Catholic cemetery allows you to share your faith values and belief in the resurrection with future generations of your family. This legacy of faith is your gift to them.

Selecting a Final Resting Place

Catholic Cemeteries offers a variety of memorial options for the interment of cremated remains in a beautiful, inviting and faith-filled atmosphere. Glass Front Niches - Elegant above-ground urn

spaces with see-through beveled glass fronts located inside magnificent chapel mausoleums.

Granite/Marble Front Niches - Interior or exterior above-ground urn spaces with bold, raised, bronze lettering.

Cremation Graves - In-ground burial specifically for cremated remains utilizing a cemetery approved outer burial container.

Right of an Inurnment - If space allows, an additional interment right into an existing grave or crypt may be acquired with cemetery approval and owner consent.

For more information on available options, visit www.rcancem.org or contact the office of a Catholic cemetery of your choice.

6

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

Care for the burial needs of our Catholic community is a sacred trust. We are committed to providing the highest level of service, respect and dignity to all our Catholic families. It is an honor to serve them during a difficult time.

l Holy Cross Cemetery, N. Arlington l Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

l Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia l Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City l Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah l Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes

Thank you for your letters & reviews

Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington

“I realize that it is not very often that people take time to review a cemetery but I was so impressed with the general upkeep that I felt obligated to do so… I was filled with gratitude after seeing the perpetual care provided at the graves of my parents. Thank you to all of the staff for maintaining the dignity of our loved ones.” - John G., Boca Raton, FL

Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington

“Coming here is like a family reunion for me. My family has been buried here for over 50 years. It's peaceful and serene. Looks like there is excellent maintenance. The ladies in the office are helpful. Had trouble finding a relative in the mausoleum, but the staff there were very helpful in finding it. There is a 911 memorial here as well as graves of those who lost their lives that day.” - Dina, Raleigh, NC

Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

“One of the biggest and finest cemeteries in all of North Jersey. Everybody knows someone who's buried here. I have my grandparents, my father, friends, and friends’ family here. It's extremely well maintained. A beautiful final resting place.” - Norman S., Albrightsville, PA

Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City

“I don't know anyone buried here, but I love to walk the grounds with my son. It's very peaceful and the groundskeepers never bother us even though they probably know we're just enjoying the cemetery as a green space. Lovely trees, and I'm glad they finally labeled the mysterious saint statues up front by the group mausoleum. - Kate H., Jersey City Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

“I have a few family members and friends interred here. It's really a beautiful cemetery. I stopped in a few days ago to see my father-in-law’s resting place. He's interred inside the new area. It's a beautiful place. I know, a review of a cemetery is a bit morbid but it's all part of the journey we all have to take some day.” - Robert M., Roseland, NJ

Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover

“Gate of Heaven is a beautiful place... Death is difficult enough, so to have kind people help you through the process, such as Wanda and Lydia, makes a huge difference…” - Rhonda D., Sparta Township, NJ

7

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

Monthly Masses of Remembrance An integral aspect of the ministry of Catholic Cemeteries is to provide for the spiritual needs of our families. As part of the fulfillment of this commitment, Remembrance Masses are celebrated at our mausoleums the first Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of each month, depending on the cemetery mausoleum. We hope you will join us. For a complete schedule and locations, visit www.rcancem.org/mass-schedule.

Cemetery Beautification Schedule To preserve the beauty of our beautiful cemeteries year-round, general clean-up days are scheduled quarterly to remove holiday ornaments and decorations from graves and mausoleums. Due to the volume of removed decorations, claiming items after removal is extremely difficult. Therefore, any items you wish to keep must be collected prior to scheduled clean-up dates. Notice of these clean-up dates are posted on signage at cemetery entrances, on the Rules & Regulations page of www.rcancem.org, and in various cemeteries publications. E-mail notification also is sent. To ensure your e-mail address is on file for future notices, please contact the Catholic Cemeteries office at 973-497-7988. m

UPCOMING CLEAN-UP DAYS: November 16 January 15 April 9 June 21

Upcoming Events

Christmas Food Drive Please join us in providing non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local food pantries to help feed those who are less fortunate in our Archdiocese. Donations may be dropped off during business hours in the offices of all Archdiocesan mausoleums now through January 6, 2019. For cemetery locations, visit www.rcancem.org. Feeding the hungry is one of the most basic acts of loving kindness. Donating food on behalf of a departed loved one is a wonderful gift that truly honors their memory in a tangible way. Feeding the hungry also is one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy. Other Corporal Works of Mercy include clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, and burial of the dead. Keep Christ in Christmas. Help feed the hungry. This holiday season, please consider making a donation to the needy in our Archdiocese. Visit online at www.rcancem.org/donate

Donate Online www.rcancem.org/donate

Christmas Tree of Remembrance You are invited to a Mass of Remembrance in December and to bring a personal, non-fragile tree ornament in memory of your loved one to help decorate our Christmas Tree of Remembrance following Mass. A tree ornament will be provided if needed. Also, please remember to bring a non-perishable food donation. For a complete schedule of Masses, visit www.rcancem.org/

mass-schedule. Q

8

Catholic Cemeteries is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, for Our Catholic Community www.rcancem.org 888-498-5209

Here For YOU

The staff at Catholic Cemeteries minister to the needs

of individuals and families before, at the time of, and

after death. This includes caring assistance with

cemetery planning before death; compassionate

support at the time of death, facilitating a loved one’s

interment in a holy place; support throughout

bereavement; and perpetual cemetery care thereafter.

We hope this newsletter offers helpful information that

assists you in your Catholic journey and in planning for your future needs.

As always, our Catholic Cemeteries staff are available to help you and to answer

any questions. Contact us at 973-497-7988 or via e-mail at cemetery@rcan.org.

Connect with us. Sign up for updates!www.rcancem.org

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY… PREPARING A CATHOLIC FUNERAL

“Continuing the Journey” is a planning guide written to accompany the Order of Christian Funerals. It is a valuable resource for the funeral, whether the death was unexpected or planned in advance. The information contained in this booklet comes from many sources. It is designed to ease this time of loss and transition. It carefully takes the person through the journey of preparing a Catholic funeral and the rituals involved. It also has forms to record his or her wishes while going through the planning process.

The booklet has been designed to ensure that the practical details connected with planning a funeral are explained in a way that helps all involved make the funeral a fitting celebration of the special meaning of the deceased person’s life. Available in English or Spanish, obtain a copy of the FREE booklet by calling (866) Pre-Plan or online at: www.rcancem.org/continuing-the-journey-preparing-a-catholic-funeral