Dear Member of the Family of the Archdiocese,

 

These past weeks have been difficult for us all as we deal with the changes and disruptions caused by the coronavirus, including the temporary suspension of public Masses and sacraments. We are grateful for your patience and understanding.

 

One of the greatest challenges people have endured is not being able to visit the graves of their parents, siblings, children, or dear friends. Our archdiocesan cemeteries have done heroic work in keeping up with the huge demand to supply prayerful and dignified burials during this time of crisis, and have allowed graveside services for small groups of mourners. Still, we have heard from many of you who desire to come and pay their respects to their beloved dead.  

 

Because that desire is only heightened on a day like Mother’s Day, we have decided to open the five archdiocesan cemeteries for visitation this Sunday, May 10, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Take a moment to review and follow the enclosed guidelines that are designed to ensure the safety of all. Know that parish cemeteries will make their own determination whether or not to open, and under what conditions they may do so.

 

We will continue to work with medical professionals, elected and civic leaders, our priests, and other experts in helping us to determine when and how we can gradually return to public celebrations of our faith. You can be assured that the priests of the archdiocese are as eager as you for a resumption of public Mass and the sacraments.

 

With prayerful best wishes for a blessed Mother’s Day, and,

 

Faithfully in Christ,

Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, VG

Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

The cemeteries entrusted to the Trustees of St. Patrick’s Cathedral have regrettably but necessarily been closed to visitors in order to protect the health and safety of our staff, visitors, and people associated with the increased number of burials we have been privileged to perform in response to the pandemic. Still, we have received a great deal of understandable encouragement to open the cemeteries, particularly for visits this Mother’s Day.

 

Therefore, the five cemeteries operated by the Trustees of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Calvary in Woodside, Resurrection on Staten Island, Gate of Heaven in Hawthorne, Ascension in Airmont, and Saint Mary’s in Rye Brook –  will be open on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10, for visits. (Note: Parish cemeteries will make their own determinations about whether or not to open, and how to do so.)

 

Because of ongoing health and safety concerns relating to the pandemic, these rules will be in effect:

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.