Thousands of Catholic Cemeteries Across the Country Unite for National Program

Press Release 5/13/14–
NEW JERSEY – For the second year, the Diocese of Metuchen’s Holy Cross and Resurrection cemeteries will join thousands of Catholic cemeteries across the United States on May 26 in a national commemoration entitled, “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes.” The program, developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference, is meant to salute those men and women who died in combat, and remember our veterans and current servicemen and women.

All active military men and women and veterans are invited to participate in and attend either of the two Memorial Day Masses, to be held simultaneously at two diocesan cemeteries in Middlesex County.

Rev. Msgr. William Benwell, diocesan vicar general, will celebrate Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Jamesburg on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. At the same time, Rev. Msgr. Joseph Celano, pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater, will celebrate Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway. The patriotic program will follow.

“It is important that we honor those men and women who died serving our country,” said Mary Ellen Gerrity, director of cemeteries for the Diocese of Metuchen.

“We are honored to be participating in this program and are blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate the men and women who have sacrificed in order to defend the rights of all to freedom, justice and peace,” Gerrity added.

The Cemeteries Office is currently seeking veterans and active military personnel to participate in the Masses as flag or candle bearers, readers and gift bearers. Following Mass, there will be a wreath laying ceremony, which will include honor guard participation, the playing of TAPS and the distribution of commemorative pins to military members.

All are welcome to attend. For more information about the Memorial Day Masses or to learn how you can participate, please contact the diocesan Cemeteries Office at 800-943-8400 or cemeteries@diometuchen.org or visit the website atwww.diometuchen.org/cemeteries.