Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us
Dear Friends,

Memorial Day is a special time to remember our loved ones who have passed away and to reach out to those who have made Catholic Cemeteries a part of their lives recently, whether it be through pre-need planning, at-need counseling, visiting one of our cemeteries or communicating with us about our services. We take our ministry seriously and are committed to providing the best care for the needs of the families we serve. As our contractors complete work on the Holy Trinity Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary in Topeka, we look forward to welcoming clients to the blessing of the new building later this summer.

From time immemorial, history traces rituals associated with death and dying and the transition to new life. As Catholics, we have the added perspective and the powerful belief in the mystery that Christ’s death and resurrection gave new meaning to our lives and deaths and hold the promise of eternal life. Our ministry at Catholic Cemeteries is rooted in this profound mystery of our faith as we help individuals plan ahead and serve them at their time of loss. We look forward to serving you and to extending our mission.

Thank you,
Robert W. Chenoweth
Executive Director
A Longstanding Tradition of Remembrance
Who are you remembering this Memorial Day?

While most Americans will remember to plan picnics, barbeque and fun times with friends and family for Memorial Day, many will also be making plans to remember their departed loved ones by visiting the cemetery to place flowers and memorials.

Memorial Day’s roots in the United States go back than 150 years. After the Civil War, communities began designating a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers in both the North and the South. By the beginning of the 20 th Century, May 30 was recognized as Decoration Day, the day soldiers who had lost their lives serving their country were honored by celebrations in towns and at cemeteries. After World War I, the custom was extended to include fallen soldiers from all wars, and in 1971, Congress officially designated the last Monday in May as a Federal holiday, Memorial Day. In 2000, Congress passed the “National Moment of Remembrance Act,” setting 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day as a minute to pause in silence and remember those who have died serving their country.

As Memorial Day gained momentum in the 20 th Century, families began honoring and remembering all departed loved ones at the cemeteries with masses, tributes and decorations. This custom encourages the living to lift up their lost loved ones in reverence and to honor their souls through visitation and prayers.

Continually remembering our departed, Catholics actively pray for the repose of the souls of their loved ones and offer prayers for the poor souls in purgatory. While traditional visits to the cemetery in the early- to mid-20 th Century would have meant long visits at the cemetery sharing stories and prayers, seeing familiar faces and maybe even taking a picnic, modern culture tends to overlook the value of remembering our departed loved ones.

This Memorial Day, along with time for your barbeque and hammock, don’t forget to spend time at the cemetery remembering the loved ones who have gone before you.


We are hoping for great weather on Memorial Day weekend as visitors spend time remembering and honoring their loved ones who have passed away. The cemeteries are still in need of students (age 15 and older) to greet visitors, direct parking, and assist with other needs that arise at the cemeteries during the busy weekend.

Student workers must be available May 26, 27 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a mandatory training session at 4:30 p.m. on May 25. Staff t-shirt, snacks, lunch and bottled water provided.

Interested? Call Diane at 913-344-7527 as soon as possible to choose which cemetery you wish to work at.
Cemetery Mass Schedule, Monday, May 28, 2018
Mt. Calvary, Kansas City...........9 a.m., Crucifixion Group

St. John, Kansas City........... ..... 9 a.m., Mt. Calvary, KCKS, Crucifixion Group

Gate of Heaven, Kansas City.. . .9 a.m., Holy Redeemer Mausoleum

Mt. Calvary, Lansing..................9 a.m., Cemetery

Resurrection, Lenexa............. .. .8:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial

St. John, Lenexa................. ..... .8:15 a.m., Holy Trinity Church

Mt. Calvary, Olathe............. ....... 8 a.m., Cemetery (St. Paul Church in case of rain)

St. Joseph, Shawnee........ ......... 9 a.m., Crucifixion Group

Mt. Calvary, Topeka........... ...... ..10 a.m., Cemetery Altar (Most Pure Heart
of Mary Church in case of rain)

It's Easy to Order Flowers
to Honor a Loved One
Did you know that Catholic Cemeteries can take care of all the logistics in providing flowers in our mausoleums for your loved ones? Our floral program has options for crypts, niches and columbariums and can be renewed as desired. To get a better idea of available options and prices, see our website or contact memorial experts at 913-371-4040.
May the Lord Bless Our Mothers on Mother's Day
As we celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 13, may our holy mother Mary intercede for all mothers, those living as well as those who have gone before us. May mothers who sorrow for lost children find consolation in the Holy Spirit and the tender mercy of Jesus. And may God our Father grant all mothers courage, strength, joy, and wisdom in their many endeavors.
Topeka, Kansas:
Holy Trinity Mausoleum Discounts End Soon
Preconstruction discounts will continue to be available for a short while. Take advantage of these savings before the mausoleum opens later this summer. Click here for more information on how to qualify for these discounts.
Please Be Considerate
of the Beauty
of Our Grounds
Our field crew takes pride in keeping the grounds of our cemeteries beautiful. You can do so, too, by being aware of cemetery rules and regulations. Our complete decoration policy can be found here.
Where Do I Start?
Our website contains valuable information for those faced with initiating care for a loved one who has died. Answering the question of where to start can be difficult, especially if the deceased has not completed pre-need planning. However, our at-need counselors are always available. Take a look at our complete guide to the first steps  by clicking here.
Cemetery Hours
For Memorial Day weekend, students will help direct traffic, answer questions, and manage cemetery logistics from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be considerate of increased traffic by parking in a responsible manner. If you will be visiting the cemetery at a different time and would like to check cemetery hours,  click here.
Contact our Pre-Arrangement Service Professionals
for more information on how you can plan a...
Administration: 913-371-4040
Pre-arrangement services: 913-344-7527