Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago to Host Outdoor Rosary and Prayer Services on Sunday, Nov. 1, in Observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
Chicago (Oct. 30, 2020) – Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago will host outdoor rosary and prayer services at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 in observance of All Saints’ Day, which is Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day, which is Nov. 2. Due to COVID-19, services will be held as drive-in ceremonies at 17 cemetery locations. Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside will livestream its service on their Facebook page. All cemetery grounds will remain open for visitors on Nov. 1 - 2 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Guests are required to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 preventive guidelines including wearing masks and maintaining a six-foot distance from others.
“All Saints’ Day is a reminder that we are called to be a saintly people as we strive to emulate their dedication to God in our daily lives," said Rev. Larry Sullivan, priest director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago. “All Souls’ Day is an important day for us to remember our loved ones who have returned to the Lord. It is a day to thank God for the gift of their lives and for His love for them and for us.”
Drive-in services will be broadcast via FM transmitters so individuals and families can participate in the services from their vehicles. Six locations will have a large LED screen that will display the names of the departed as well as the presider of the service. In lieu of remembrance booklet handouts, each cemetery will have a digital booklet sharing the names of those buried within the cemeteries from Oct.15, 2019 through Oct. 15, 2020. Families can also sign a digital memorial remembrance book to include their deceased loved ones names and a special message so they can be remembered in daily prayers throughout the coming year.
Catholic Cemeteries volunteers will be onsite to assist families for the services, including providing the FM transmitter and QR code to access the service.
Visitors are encouraged to check online for updates regarding cemetery services and visiting hours. For more information, please visit www.CatholicCemeteriesChicago.org.
About Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Cemeteries manages 45 cemeteries within Cook and Lake counties for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The history of Catholic Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Chicago actually predates establishment of the diocese. The first Catholic cemeteries were churchyard cemeteries of parishes in existence before the diocese was formed. Some of these cemeteries, which are still operating today, were Catholic burial grounds twenty-five years before the opening of Calvary Cemetery, the oldest diocesan cemetery, in 1859. More information about the Cremation Garden of Saint Francis as well as Catholic Cemeteries is available at www.CatholicCemeteriesChicago.org.
