CATHOLIC CEMETERIES & MORTUARIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY WITH NEW CONTACTLESS OPTIONS
In its efforts to continue serving the community as a ministry of the Catholic faith which recognizes the burial of the dead as one of the Corporal Works of Mercy, the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is offering new contactless options in response to a higher demand of its services as a result of an increase due to the rising deaths associated with COVID-19 and state and local pandemic restrictions.
“We follow our Church’s teachings of the Corporal Works of Mercy which includes burial of the dead. Just as when we give water to the thirsty, food to the hungry or shelter the homeless, all of us at Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries see God’s face in the families and patrons we serve,” said Brian McMahon, Director of Community Outreach of the Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries. “As Catholic Cemeteries, we are committed to that belief. We want people to know that our staff remains committed and is working hard to meet the communities and our patron’s needs.”
State and local pandemic protocols limiting in-person appointments has created delays for families in need to plan for their departed loved ones. Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries is implementing new protocols and online options to make every effort to meet patrons and families’ needs.
Additional services during these unprecedented timed include:
- Phone and email, funeral/burial arrangements for families with immediate funeral/burial needs
- Outdoor Prayer Service (1/2-hour funeral liturgy, prayers/viewing under shelter)
- Graveside Committal (immediately following Prayer Service)
- No Witnessing of Interment (family leaves interment site following Committal Service)
- Memorial Mass (scheduled for a later date)
- Cemeteries remain open for visitation; however, administration buildings are closed to the public. Please visit https://catholiccm.org/ for visitation hours and information per location
The Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries is currently reviewing operational aspects to determine how best to minimize wait times due to the increased need. The public is invited to visit the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries website to stay informed of changes or developments as they occur. For more information please visit, https://catholiccm.org/updates.
About Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries
Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries is a ministry of the Church serving the faithful of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as a provider of a resting place on holy ground with 11 locations in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. To learn more please visit https://catholiccm.org/.