CATHOLIC CEMETERIES & MORTUARIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES OPEN FOR VISITATION WITH DISTANCING RESTRICTIONS
May 8, 2020  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

–Cemetery locations will be open for visitation on Mother’s Day with all visitor asked to follow updated distancing guidelines; Mother’s Day Rosary will be livestreamed on Sunday at 2 p.m.–

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced today that its 11 locations will open for visitation beginning today with updated guidance and distancing restrictions. Effective today, Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries will be open for visitation Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We are grateful that we can serve our patron families by offering limited visitation this Mother’s Day while adhering to the guidance issued by state and local public health officials,” said Brian McMahon, Director of Community Outreach for the Cemeteries and Mortuaries. “We hope that we can resume serving our patrons at full capacity soon, however at this time, the wellbeing of the families we serve and our staff is top priority.” 

People visiting loved ones at any of the 11 Catholic cemetery locations will be required to wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing protocols. There will continue to be a limit of two family members allowed to make funeral or cemetery arrangements and all services will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. Flowers shops at the locations will also be open for curbside pick-up.

“The limited Monday – Saturday visitation hours are to avoid interference with gravesite services, which happen earlier in the day and will continue to be limited to ten visitors practicing social distancing,” said Mr. McMahon.

Additional guidance on cemetery visitation includes the following. Full guidance is available at https://catholiccm.org/covid19.   

  • Number of cars entering the cemetery may be restricted.
  • Visitors must wear face coverings at all times and must follow all social distancing protocols by maintaining a distance of six feet from one another.
  • Groups visiting together are limited to ten people at graveside, crypt or niche (family members who live together at the same physical address).
  • Visitation is limited to 30 minutes
  • Cemetery offices will be closed and available by appointment only.
  • Visitors are encouraged to call cemetery office for latest information prior to their visit.

“While patron families are required to adhere to distancing guidance, we expect many to visit on Mother’s Day and ask that individuals who may be in a high-risk group to consider choosing another day to visit their loved ones,” said Mr. McMahon.

“We understand that some may not be able to visit their departed loved one on Mother’s Day, which is why the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese are presenting a special livestreamed Mother’s Day rosary to honor the memories of mothers who have passed planned for Sunday at 2 p.m.,” added Mr. McMahon. The rosary will be livestreamed onhttps://www.facebook.com/lacatholics/ and https://lacatholics.org/event/mothers-day-rosary/.         

In accordance with the guidance from the CDC and governmental officials regarding public gatherings, on March 21, 2020, all Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles temporarily closed for regular visitation and non-essential business matters.

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese remain committed to safely caring for families during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing essential services to address families’ immediate needs under the current temporary limitations while adhering to the guidance issued by federal, state and local public health officials.

The 11 Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries locations in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties continue to serve the immediate needs of families by providing graveside services, cremation services, private family viewings and phone arrangements.

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About Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries are 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/.