The Creed of the Catholic Cemetery Conference acknowledges that the Catholic cemetery is established to carry out the sacred religious function of the burial and care for the resting places of the deceased. There is recognition of the religious significance of the Corporal Work of Mercy involved in the burial of the dead and reverence for the deceased.
On Memorial Day, we remembered our deceased veterans and our loved ones interred or entombed in our diocesan and parish cemeteries. We honor their sacrifice for our country and the sacrifice of their lives as our families remember their leave-taking from us and cope with their loss in the hope of their Resurrection with the Lord.
A new mausoleum has been completed at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem, which has 620 crypts for full-body entombments and 240 niches for the interment of cremated human remains.
This place of rest has panels of art that depict the Descent of the Holy Spirit as “Tongues of Fire” and “The Assumption” of the Blessed Mother into Heaven. These are two of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.
In December 2025 we viewed the unfinished mausoleum, and now we view the completed mausoleum gazing on the image of the Blessed Mother through the sheltered crypt area.
Consult one of our Family Service Representatives at the diocesan cemeteries for a tour of locations that best serve the needs of your family by calling 610-866-2372 ext. 1.
The Diocese recently witnessed the Ordination of six new priests. These priests will be celebrating funeral Masses for the first time in their new assignments.
Some will also be celebrating the Rite of Committal at this new mausoleum. As we wish them “Ad multos annos” (to many years), we pray for our deceased loved ones “Requiescat in pace” (rest in peace).
By Monsignor William Baver, diocesan Director of Cemeteries, and Pastor of SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem and Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown.
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