North Arlington, N.J. – Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark invites the public to gather in prayer and gratitude at Memorial Day Masses held across its cemeteries on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. These annual outdoor services serve as a solemn and unifying tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S., as well as to all veterans and active-duty military.

As part of the national program “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes,” developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference, these Masses honor those who paid the ultimate price for the nation’s freedom while uplifting all who have served — and continue to serve — with courage and faith.

“Our Memorial Day Masses remind us of the sacred duty we share in remembering and praying for our veterans,” said Joseph M. Heckel, K.H.S., CCCE, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries. “We invite everyone to come together in unity, reflection and remembrance.”

Most Masses will be held outdoors under canopies, with seating provided. Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover and Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah will host indoor services inside their mausoleums.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate the Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, where the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit and the Chapel Mausoleum of Our Lady are both currently under construction. The full list of celebrants is below:

Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D.

Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ – Most Reverend Manuel A. Cruz, D.D.

Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ – Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, D.D.

Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ – Most Reverend Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., D.D.

Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ – Most Reverend Gregory J. Studerus, D.D.

Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ – Very Reverend John J. Chadwick, S.T.D.

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange, NJ – Reverend Philip J. Waters, O.S.B.

All are welcome to attend and take part in this meaningful celebration of faith, freedom and remembrance. For full details and a tribute video, please visit www.rcancem.org/memorial-day-mass.

Throughout the year, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark continues to honor veterans with monthly remembrance Masses, special observances on Veterans Day and Flag Day and the placement of over 1,000 American flags on veterans' graves each Memorial Day, remaining through Flag Day. For more information about Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark and their ministry, contact a Memorial Planning Advisor at cemetery@rcan.org or visit www.rcancem.org.

About Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark
The Ministry of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark exists to meet the needs of individuals and families before, at the time of death and burial, and throughout bereavement. 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.rcancem.org.

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