It’s a day intended for remembering family and friends who have passed from this life, but per the norm, Day of the Dead celebrations across the Archdiocese were fun-filled, vibrant, downright joyous occasions. Over the course of two weekends -- Saturday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 4 – a trio of our most storied cemeteries hosted thousands of our faithful for day-long celebrations. At Calvary in East Los Angeles and Santa Clara in Oxnard, the crowds were large, and things felt assuredly normal as they marked their second year of in-person celebrations after the two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The big story, however, was (more...)

Like any other year, our 11 Catholic cemeteries celebrated All Souls Day Masses on Thursday, Nov. 2, but this year’s Mass at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley brought another cause for celebration. When the morning Mass concluded, Fr. Riz Carranza of nearby St. Peter Claver Church led a group of his fellow priests, plus deacons, Knights of Columbus, and hundreds of onlookers to a neighboring corner of the cemetery for a second ceremony to bless and dedicate the St. John of Vianney section. The moment surely took on special meaning for some of the clergy there. St. John Vianney is patron saint of parish priests, and the new section will likely be the final resting place for many of those serving across the Archdiocese. (more...)

It was a happy day at Calvary Cemetery in East L.A., and the rebirth of a vaunted tradition at one of the Archdiocese’s oldest operating cemeteries. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, some 200 third graders from nine neighboring Catholic schools descended on Calvary for Catechetical Day, a precursor for the annual Day of the Dead celebration, set this year for Saturday, Oct. 28. It was the first time since 2019 – just before the Covid-19 pandemic – that Calvary hosted Catechetical Day in person. They’d spend a half-day learning (more...)

Amidst the gentle whisper of autumn winds and the soft rustle of fallen leaves, the Catholic community gathers on November 2, for a momentous occasion at the Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries annual All Souls Day Masses. This sacred day holds immense importance in the Catholic faith, as it is a time to honor and remember the souls of our departed loved ones, offering prayers for their eternal peace. (more...)

Starting this July, All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach is introducing newly developed family estates, providing families with a special place to honor their loved ones. With eleven estates available, families can choose from three different formats, each featuring four to eight burial spaces, an upright granite marker displaying the family name, ornamental foliage, and a granite bench for visitors. (more...)

On June 17th, All Souls Cemetery joined our 11 Catholic Cemeteries throughout the Archdiocese by holding its annual Father's Day Rosary, and it was evident to all in attendance that our cemeteries are returning to pre-pandemic normalcy. Over 100 faithful individuals participated in the rosary, which was live-streamed on our website. The number of attendees increased as the service progressed, with passersby joining in on the Rosary's bilingual songs and prayers. The Rosary was guided by (more...)

I learned about the Manzanar Pilgrimage at Religious Education Congress in 2016. On the upper floor of the main hall were tables with displays by numerous Catholic cultures, including Filipinos, Samoans, Vietnamese, etc. I came across a collection for Japanese Catholics. This caught my eye. A nice little Baa-chan (grandmother figure) was there representing the Japanese community of St. Francis Xavier Chapel in Little Tokyo. She handed me (more...)

An East Los Angeles icon since 1896, Calvary Cemetery is not just one of the oldest and most famed cemeteries within our Archdiocese. It’s also home to one the most soul-stirring walks you may ever take: The Stations of the Cross. This annual tradition takes place on its sacred grounds each Sunday afternoon during Lent. It is a tribute to Jesus’ final hours leading up to his crucifixion, as participants follow a series of winding roads through the cemetery, stopping at 14 markers along the way. . (more...)

On March 20, 2023, the Committee on Doctrine for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement, “On the Proper Disposition of Bodily Remains.” We have included a copy of the document here.

Catholic Cemeteries has been hard at work developing new selections for those considering cremation. Traditional offerings such as Niches and Cremation Graves have remained popular and affordable, but as the level of cremation increases, so does the need to accommodate our patrons' various tastes and desires. (more...)

Catholic Cemeteries have published our annual Easter Flower Schedules. In observance of Lent, our flower policy is relaxed, allowing families to use permitted decorations. Flowers and permitted decorations may be placed starting Friday, March 31, 2023 and will remain through Wednesday, April 12, 2023. It is important to note that lawns will not be mowed or trimmed during this period. Visitors are encouraged to review our Flower Policy for complete details prior to your visit.

Resurrection Cemetery is excited to announce the release of the next phase of the St. John Paul II development.  This attractive new section utilizes preset lawn crypts which can accommodate two burials and are now available for both at-need and pre-need purchases. Due to requests from patrons, the new development also includes several hedge estates of various sizes, allowing families to build a legacy for multiple generations. Hedge estates include (more...)

Catholic Cemeteries have published our annual Christmas Flower Schedules. In observance of Advent, our flower policy is relaxed, allowing families to use permitted decorations. Flowers and decorations may be left starting Friday, December 9. 2022, and will remain through Wednesday, January 11, 2023. It is important to note that lawns will not be mowed or trimmed during this period. Visitors are encouraged to review our Flower Policy for complete details prior to your visit.

With great enthusiasm, students from Our lady of Guadalupe School (OLGS) in East Los Angeles impatiently wait for teacher Florencia Teran to begin the class. However, today is not an ordinary day; Ms. Teran will talk about a very special ancient cultural tradition in our Catholic belief: Día de Los Muertos. (more...)

For the thousands of faithful who enjoy celebrating the Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) at our Catholic cemeteries, the last two years brought a sad interruption to a longstanding tradition. Pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of in-person events at our locations, forcing people instead to watch celebrations streamed from near-empty cemeteries via our website and Facebook pages. (more...)

On October 29th, Calvary Catholic Cemetery at East Los Angeles welcomed hundreds of guests who came to celebrate El Día de Los Muertos. The festivities brought together many families who, united by their faith, gathered at our sacred grounds to remember their loved ones who passed away. (more...)

This past Wednesday, Nov. 2, was All Souls Day, or as our Latin friends say, Día de Los Muertos -- Day of the Dead. This year the day took on particular poignancy as my daughter Emily and I traveled to Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA, to pay our first visit to the grave of my brother Bob. (more...)

On Sunday October 2nd, the Holy Angels Catholic Church of the Deaf (HAC), hosted their annual Community festival at their parish located in the City of Vernon. The event began with a Mass (in American sign language) lead by Father Tom Schweitzer. The impaired hearing faithful and their families attended to support and enjoy the angelical festivity honoring Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries (CCM) were invited (more...)

Preparations have begun for in-person Día de Los Muertos celebrations at Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard. After a two-year absence, we are happy to bring back what has become an annual tradition for our patrons and the greater community. (more...)

As we begin our preparations for our annual Día de Los Muertos celebrations, we remember our deceased loved ones and the diversities in our various cultures that are so interesting and admirable. In recent years, through my work, I have participated in, and have been educated on, the importance of Día de Los Muertos for our Hispanic community. (more...)