Saint Thomas Aquinas Cemetery

As we approach the holiday season, it is essential to be aware of the cemetery's policies regarding flowers and decorations. During Advent (Christmas), our cemetery policy allows families to use items not typically permitted throughout the year. Although the policy is relaxed, we strongly encourage everyone to review the flower policy carefully, as schedules will be posted, and the cemetery staff will remove unapproved items. Please remember that this is a Catholic cemetery, and all decorations should be respectful and non-offensive to the religious nature and principles of the Catholic Church. Additionally, individual decorations at a gravesite should not obstruct access to neighboring graves. (more...)

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries' Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations, which have become a profoundly cherished tradition in the local community. Over the past decade, participation in these celebrations has surged, culminating in this year's highest turnout. The events held at three archdiocesan cemeteries, Calvary Cemetery Los Angeles, San Fernando Mission Cemetery Mission Hills, and Santa Clara Cemetery Oxnard, brought together people from all walks of life to honor and remember their loved ones. Each cemetery began the day with a Mass, offering prayers and commemorating all the faithful departed, followed by a procession and blessing of the altars. (more...)

It was a picture-perfect day, and dozens of volunteers from nearby Catholic cemeteries and mortuaries greeted youngsters on Thursday, Oct. 24, as they climbed off their buses at Calvary Cemetery for Catechetical Day—a celebration of learning, fun, and Mexican culture at this storied East Los Angeles location. More than 200 third graders from nine neighboring Catholic schools turned out in a prelude to the annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos – or as we say en Ingles – Day of the Dead. When they arrived that morning, odds are that many of them had at best a fuzzy knowledge of the day’s meaning, but they’d go home with a whole new understanding of its importance, especially to those in the Latin American community. (more...)

In a world where distractions are endless, and our lives are busier than ever, it's easy to lose sight of the spiritual nourishment that the Mass provides. The Back to Mass movement, spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in collaboration with eCatholic and My Saint My Hero, aims to rekindle our connection with the Holy Eucharist and invite everyone to experience the profound peace and joy of attending Mass. Why Back to Mass? For decades, Catholic churches across the country have seen a decline in Mass attendance, a trend only accelerated by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.(more...)