Seven cemeteries across the archdiocese will host these outdoor Masses at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.
Amy Profenna, the director of marketing and public relations at Catholic Cemeteries, said this year will mark 37 years of the service that offers the loved ones of passed relatives a dedicated remembrance Mass.
“All of these Masses are held outdoors which is beautiful as it allows the faithful to participate in a service which is close to the resting place of their loved one,” she said. “I think it plays a unique role in the resolution of grief because it allows the bereaved to have the emotional gratification of knowing that they are participating in Mass so close to where their loved one is buried.
“It is a solemn and sacred gathering where we come together as people of God, often with heavy hearts, yet with hope in our souls, to remember and honour those who have gone before us.”
Across this year’s seven locations, more than 10,000 parishioners are expected to attend the solemn Mass, a show of unity and reverence that goes hand-in-hand with the vision of the Church.
“I think of our Catholic cemeteries as very much being part of the Church and therefore at these Masses we pray with the Church. These cemeteries become a place for worship, prayer and reflection and so at the end of life, the Catholic Church provides us this holy ground to rest and await the Resurrection,” Profenna said. “Those who come are reminded of the faith journey of our loved ones and the importance of a legacy that will continue for generations.”
Taking place each year on the Wednesday closest to the Feast of the Assumption, the summer Mass functions much like a traditional service albeit with elements such as the prayers of the faithful more closely tailored to themes of family, bereavement and remembrance.
Profenna said Catholic Cemeteries hopes these Masses will mark another year of sombre optimism as those who have died are once again remembered and celebrated.
“As Catholics, we believe that Christ’s victory over death gives us the assurance that eternal life awaits all who believe in Him. This Mass is an opportunity for those of us facing a loss to find strength in one another, to share our grief and to offer our support to those who need it most,” she said.
This year’s Masses will be held at and celebrated by:
- Assumption Cemetery, Mississauga - Bishop Ivan Camilleri
- Christ the King Cemetery, Markham - Msgr. Vid Vlasic
- Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill - Bishop John Corriveau
- Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto - Bishop Robert Kasun
- Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Woodbridge - Msgr. Patrick O’Dea
- Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby - Bishop Vincent Nguyen
- St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barrie - Bishop John A. Boissonneau
In the case of poor weather, services will continue at designated rain spots within each cemetery.
Find out more at: https://www.catholic-cemeteries.ca/news/annual-mass-for-the-faithful-departed-wednesday-august-14-2024/