"The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope in the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
One of the best ways to show this respect is through Sacred Hearts Cemetery. It was established in 1868. Miss Mary Dunphey was the first person buried in the new cemetery.
Our parish cemetery (at the north end of Columbus Street) is cared for so that the faithful departed have a fitting and beautiful resting place. A dedicated cemetery board oversees the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery.
To purchase a grave and establish its cost, which is open to members of Sacred Hearts, St. Albert the Great, and St. Joseph East Bristol parish members, see contact information on the left.
Spiritual Benefits
Your loved one, buried at Sacred Hearts Cemetery, will always be remembered and prayed for. Every year on Memorial Day, Mass is offered for all those who are buried there. Every year on All Souls Day, the parish holds a prayer service at the cemetery to pray for all those who have died, remembering in a special way all who are buried at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
What about cremations?
Cremation is allowed in the Catholic Church, allowing cremated remains to be in the Church. We now have a ritual for these remains for use during the funeral. The Church expects respectful final dispostion of the cremated remains. Most people opt for a family grave in the cemetery with a memorial stone. Scattering cremated remains for the air, on the ground, of keeping them in the home are not the reverent dispostion that the Church requires.
Decorations Policy
Decorations should be in keeping with the fact that this is a Catholic cemetery. Therefore, Christian symbols are the most appropriate for a gravestone. Decorations around a particular grave should be tastefully done and not elaborate. We want to maintain the dignity of the cemetery. Noble simplicity is preferred.
Summer Months
- All decorations must be removed from gravesites two weeks before Easter.
- Decorations are allowed from Easter to October 1st. They should be fastened to the monuments or placed into the vases in the foundations. At no time should they be placed in the ground. This makes mowing and trimming less efficient and costly.
- There is to be no planting of flowers or shrubs on the gravesites.
- Please discard any decorations or wreaths into the dumpsters or barrels located in the cemetery.
Winter Months
By October 15th, all decorations and wreaths must be removed from gravesites for clean-up. Christmas decorations are allowed as of November 1st.
At the end of life, how can I help the parish?
We invite you, as you are thinking about eternity, to remember Sacred Hearts in your will. This is a wonderful way to ensure the good works of our faith continue for future generations. If you want to discuss this further, contact the parish office at (608)-837-7381.