If this group were to have a theme song, it might be the old Willie Nelson tune, On the Road Again. From the leafy suburbs of the San Gabriel Valley to the sandy shores of Santa Barbara to the desert scrubland of the Antelope Valley, the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries Community Outreach team hits the road year-round to speak at parishes across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Wherever we may go, the mission remains the same: Raise awareness about our ministry, tell people what to expect when a loved one dies, and explain why planning ahead for cemetery and mortuary needs is an important obligation for everyone. (more...)

On the tranquil grounds of Mission San Fernando Rey de España, a significant tradition takes place each month in the chapel, as the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries host the Memorial Mass. This solemn and ceremonial service is much more than a mere ritual; it is a heartfelt gathering where individuals come together to honor and pray for the souls of their departed loved ones. The Mass is typically held on the second Tuesday of each month and serves as a poignant and reflective moment for the community to come together and remember those who have passed on, reaffirming the enduring connection to faith and one another. (more...)

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries are proud to announce a series of new developments at all eleven Catholic Cemeteries within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. These enhancements are designed to provide families with dignified and respectful options that honor the lives of their loved ones. Catholic cemeteries have expanded their services to accommodate the increasing preference for cremation. (more...)

In the early 20th century, the idea of Father's Day in the United States was born out of love and gratitude. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the selflessness and devotion of her own father, William Jackson Smart, sought to establish a day to honor fathers like hers. William was a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised his six children after the passing of his wife. Sonora's efforts paid off when the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. (more...)

*Updated 7/12/1024* - In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared four times to St. Juan Diego, asking for a church to be built in her honor. The last time she appeared to St. Juan, on December 12th, 1531, she arranged roses in his tilma, which he then took to the bishop. When he opened his cloak, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously appeared on the tilma. This miraculous image has been a symbol of hope, faith, and love for millions of people worldwide and continues to inspire devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe among Catholics. (more...)

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance, a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. It's a day to honor their sacrifices and to express our gratitude for their service and dedication. We invite you to join us on May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for the Memorial Day Mass at any of the eleven Catholic cemeteries across the archdiocese. This is an opportunity to come together as a community and to offer our prayers and support to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Mass will be presided over by (more...)

Mother's Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the significant impact that mothers have on their families and society as a whole. This holiday was established by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and officially became a national holiday in the US in 1914. Although the dates and celebrations of Mother's Day may vary around the world, it usually involves giving mothers flowers, cards, and other gifts as tokens of appreciation. Let's make the most of this special day to honor the incredible mothers in our lives and demonstrate how much we value and appreciate them. By doing so, we can inspire more people to recognize the extraordinary contribution that mothers make to our world. (more...)

Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara is proud to announce the opening of a new burial section dedicated to the memory of Saint John Vianney. Vianney is known as the patron saint of parish priests, and his unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his profound faith in the sacrament of confession has inspired clergy worldwide. Our newly designed garden offers a range of options for archdiocesan priests and community members seeking a final resting place. The garden includes a columbarium adorned with a statue of Saint John Vianney, companion niches, and high-quality double-depth lawn crypts for in-ground burial. (more...)

Our recent career fair at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City was a great success. Many individuals found their way to meaningful and purposeful careers. The event, held on February 20, 2024, brought together a diverse group of attendees who were eager to explore employment opportunities within the Ministry of Service. Despite the wonderful turnout and the positive connections made, Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries want to extend an invitation to those who couldn't attend the fair but are still seeking a career aligned with their values and beliefs. Job opportunities are still available across various locations in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. If you were unable to attend the career fair, there's no need to worry! (more...)

Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries recently participated in the annual Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education Congress. The event was held at the Anaheim Convention Center from Friday, February 16th to Sunday, February 18th. This important Catholic gathering brings together thousands of faithful individuals, catechists, clergy, and educators. During the Congress, our booth served as a welcoming space where we provided detailed information about our facilities, services, and the sacred mission we uphold. Our knowledgeable staff was available to engage with visitors and answer questions about burial options, pre-planning, and memorial services. We understand that discussing end-of-life matters can be sensitive. (more...)

Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and meditate on His suffering, sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection. It encourages believers to draw closer to God by practicing fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. Bishop Robert Barron, the former Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, invites you to deepen your prayer during this period of spiritual contemplation. Bishop Barron, who founded Word on Fire, is currently the bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota. He is an acclaimed author, theologian, and speaker, and is one of the most followed Catholics on social media worldwide. Bishop Barron's reflections can be found here.

As part of our efforts to maintain the beauty of Catholic Cemeteries, we have established a regular practice of removing flowers every Thursday. However, we do recognize the importance of certain holidays such as Easter, All Souls Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, during which we allow flowers to remain undisturbed. Easter Flowers may be placed from March 22, 2024, through removal on April 3, 2024. We extend our deepest gratitude for your cooperation and understanding in our mission to preserve the dignity and peace of our cemetery grounds. For your convenience, we have provided a comprehensive list of the Holiday Flower Schedules, which you can access by clicking here.

In the serene and hallowed grounds of Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries, a unique and essential service is provided to the faithful. Not only do these sacred places offer a final resting place for our dearly departed, but they also extend a compassionate hand to the living. The Catholic Church considers its cemeteries to be holy ground because they hold the mortal remains of God’s children. We are made in God’s image, and Jesus has redeemed us. The Church honors a cemetery because of the special dignity God has given his children. Not only do these sacred places offer (more...)

Are you seeking a career with a deeper purpose? Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is hosting a career fair at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. This event presents a unique opportunity to join a diverse team dedicated to the Burial of the Dead and the Corporal Works of Mercy. Date: February 20, 2024 Time: 9 am - 2 pm Location: Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, California, 90230 At this career fair, you'll have the chance to explore various employment opportunities across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Whether you're drawn to the ministry of service, seeking a path to (more...)

It’s a day intended for remembering family and friends who have passed from this life, but per the norm, Day of the Dead celebrations across the Archdiocese were fun-filled, vibrant, downright joyous occasions. Over the course of two weekends -- Saturday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 4 – a trio of our most storied cemeteries hosted thousands of our faithful for day-long celebrations. At Calvary in East Los Angeles and Santa Clara in Oxnard, the crowds were large, and things felt assuredly normal as they marked their second year of in-person celebrations after the two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The big story, however, was (more...)

Like any other year, our 11 Catholic cemeteries celebrated All Souls Day Masses on Thursday, Nov. 2, but this year’s Mass at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley brought another cause for celebration. When the morning Mass concluded, Fr. Riz Carranza of nearby St. Peter Claver Church led a group of his fellow priests, plus deacons, Knights of Columbus, and hundreds of onlookers to a neighboring corner of the cemetery for a second ceremony to bless and dedicate the St. John of Vianney section. The moment surely took on special meaning for some of the clergy there. St. John Vianney is patron saint of parish priests, and the new section will likely be the final resting place for many of those serving across the Archdiocese. (more...)

It was a happy day at Calvary Cemetery in East L.A., and the rebirth of a vaunted tradition at one of the Archdiocese’s oldest operating cemeteries. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, some 200 third graders from nine neighboring Catholic schools descended on Calvary for Catechetical Day, a precursor for the annual Day of the Dead celebration, set this year for Saturday, Oct. 28. It was the first time since 2019 – just before the Covid-19 pandemic – that Calvary hosted Catechetical Day in person. They’d spend a half-day learning (more...)

Amidst the gentle whisper of autumn winds and the soft rustle of fallen leaves, the Catholic community gathers on November 2, for a momentous occasion at the Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries annual All Souls Day Masses. This sacred day holds immense importance in the Catholic faith, as it is a time to honor and remember the souls of our departed loved ones, offering prayers for their eternal peace. (more...)

Starting this July, All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach is introducing newly developed family estates, providing families with a special place to honor their loved ones. With eleven estates available, families can choose from three different formats, each featuring four to eight burial spaces, an upright granite marker displaying the family name, ornamental foliage, and a granite bench for visitors. (more...)

On June 17th, All Souls Cemetery joined our 11 Catholic Cemeteries throughout the Archdiocese by holding its annual Father's Day Rosary, and it was evident to all in attendance that our cemeteries are returning to pre-pandemic normalcy. Over 100 faithful individuals participated in the rosary, which was live-streamed on our website. The number of attendees increased as the service progressed, with passersby joining in on the Rosary's bilingual songs and prayers. The Rosary was guided by (more...)