Dedication of Saint Joseph Patio at Calvary Cemetery

DEDICATION of SAINT JOSEPH PATIO AT CALVARY CEMETERY, WALTHAM

WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – The Catholic Cemetery Association is pleased to announce the opening of “Saint Joseph Patio” a Garden located within Calvary Cemetery in Waltham.

On Sunday afternoon, April 28^th at 1 p.m. we will be holding the Dedication Ceremony for Saint Joseph Patio with Father Dennis Wheatley, OFM, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Waltham officiating our Blessing. In honor of this event we invite all to visit us between 1–3 p.m. at Saint Joseph Patio and pick up a rose. We welcome you to walk the path to the Star of the Sea Columbaria, sit on a reflection bench and take in the peaceful setting and pray to those who have returned to their eternal home.

Saint Joseph Patio was named in tribute to the former parish and parishioners of Saint Joseph Church in Waltham. When the Church was suppressed some years ago, the statue of Ave Maris Stella, which stood prominently on the Parish compound, was moved to Calvary Cemetery. The statue, Ave Maris Stella or Hail Star of the Sea now sits as the focal point of our Saint Joseph Patio with the Star of the Sea Columbaria flanking the statue. It is an honor for the Catholic Cemetery Association to display this piece of our local Catholic Community history in a distinguished manner.

The Catholic Cemetery Association would like to give our families as many choices as possible for memorializing their loved ones. Our cemeteries have long had sections designated for the earth burial of cremated remains. Due to overwhelming interest, we are expanding our options for the permanent placement of cremated remains at our cemeteries. Two matching columbaria named for the Star of the Sea are situated on Saint Joseph Patio, each of these columbariums have 24 niches for the entombment of 2 urns. Permanent memorialization serves as an important emotional function for families that choose cremation by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin.

“More individuals are choosing cremation today, but many are unaware of the options for a lasting memorial for their loved ones.” said Jim Brasco of the Catholic Cemetery Association. “Our Catholic Faith requires that cremated remains have permanent placement in a cemetery and we hope to give families the best options to do so. The Star of the Sea Columbaria will offer families and future generations a peaceful place to remember their loved ones and feel closer to them during difficult times.”

“When cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place. This ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of their family or the Christian community and prevents the faithful from being forgotten, or their remains from being shown a lack of respect.” - Ad resurgendum cum Christo Guidelines released by the

Vatican’s doctrinal office on October 25, 2016.

The garden was designed to create a place for reflection and bring peace and comfort to those who visit. It offers many unique and personal memorialization options for families to choose from, including: beautifully landscaped setting with reflection benches, unique niche locations with timeless memorials and patio for committal services.

Let us share the beauty of this event with the rose you’ll be given. The rose could be left at the grave of a dear one here at Calvary Cemetery, keeping the flower as a reminder of your visit to Saint Joseph Patio or maybe taking it home to share its beauty with someone special.

For additional information call Jim Brasco at 339-226-1271 or our Administrative Office at 781-322-6300.