Concern for Catholic Cemeteries

There are many privately owned cemeteries which have begun to add “Catholic” sections often bearing names of Catholic saints or other titles like “Assumption” or “Transfiguration” and adding statuary and art appropriated from our Catholic traditions. These are not true Catholic cemeteries and the grounds for burial are often unconsecrated. Only a Catholic bishop or his designate can consecrate holy ground for burial and these private cemeteries must have the permission of the bishop of the diocese to do so. Since the Archdiocese of Toronto owns and operates it’s own Catholic Cemeteries this permission is rarely, if ever, given.

The profits from the operation of the Catholic cemeteries supports the work of the church. It is used to build new parishes, and support its good works among the poor as well as many other social programs. Also the Church prays for the faithfully departed buried in our Catholic cemeteries every Wednesday at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. There is a yearly mass on the Feast of assumption, as well as masses and prayer services for the deceased of the archdiocese throughout the year at every Catholic Cemetery. Privately owned cemeteries are for profit only and priest are not allowed to celebrate masses at these cemeteries. We ask that you continue to support our Catholic cemeteries in the planning of your funerals, so that the good works of the Church may continue, and the souls of our faithful departed buried in these cemeteries will be remembered in our prayers.