News Releases

Chicago (Oct. 30, 2024) – Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago will host Cemetery Sunday outdoor rosary and prayer services at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in observance of All Saints’ Day, which is Nov. 1, and All Souls’ Day, which is Nov. 2. The services will be held at 18 cemetery locations. 

After the prayer service, visitors interested in touring Mount Carmel Cemetery’s (Hillside) most sacred spaces, the Bishops' Mausoleum and the Chapel of the Saints Indoor Columbarium, will be given a rare opportunity for guided tours of each to learn about the architecture, artwork and unique history of each. From 2:30-3 p.m., staff will offer insights into the lives and legacies of those buried at the cemetery and discuss the significance of these spaces to the Catholic community.

“Cemetery Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to remember our loved ones in prayer,” said Very Rev. Lawrence Sullivan, priest director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago. “It is a time to experience God’s love for us as we honor the memory of those who have left the imprint of their love upon our hearts.” 

Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs as seating will not be provided for the 30-minute services. Upon arrival, visitors will follow signs directing them to the location of the prayer service. Cemetery personnel will be available to answer questions and to assist visitors in finding grave locations.

Each cemetery will have a downloadable digital booklet sharing the names of those buried in the cemeteries from Oct. 15, 2023 through Oct. 15, 2024. Families can also sign a digital memorial remembrance book to include their deceased loved one’s name and a special message so they can be remembered in daily prayers throughout the coming year.  

In 1978, the National Catholic Cemetery Conference proposed that Cemetery Sunday be observed on the first Sunday in November as a day set aside to pray for the deceased and visit the graves of loved ones.