Archdiocese Of Newark Updates Catholic Cemeteries Directives

MAHWAH, NJ — Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum, as well as all other Archdiocese of Newark cemeteries, are expanding reopening and updating their COVID-19 regulations.

According to a news release, up to 50 family members are permitted to attend interment and committal services outdoors, and up to 20 family members may attend indoor mausoleum interment services, effective immediately.

These decisions, according to the release, coincide with Stage Two of the Restart and Recovery plan, and a confidence from the Archdiocese that the state has flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“We are forever grateful to the families who practiced safety-first and demonstrated the utmost patience and understanding during these challenging times,” says Andrew Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark. “We are very excited to invite more family members into our greener cemeteries and spiritually uplifting mausoleums this summer.”

Summer hours are now in effect at all cemeteries, meaning gates are open for visitation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Wednesday, when gates are open until 7 p.m.

Mausoleums are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Wednesday, when mausoleums are open until 6:30 p.m.

Summer hours will remain in effect until Sept. 15.

Cemetery and mausoleum offices continue to be open by appointment only. Those in need of immediate or future memorial services are asked to call ahead. Office phone numbers can be found at www.rcancem.org/cemeteries.