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The Catholic Cemeteries is proud to be featured locally and nationally in a number of fine publications.
The Catholic Spirit: "Ireland delegation strengthens Kilkenny connection to archdiocese"
September 8, 2023
“A delegation from Kilkenny, Ireland, paid a visit to Calvary Cemetery in St. Paul Sept. 8. They wanted to soak in some history that ties the two cities together.” Article & Photo by Dave Hrbacek.
The Catholic Spirit: "'A call to a specific kind of ministry’: The Catholic Cemeteries director reflects on tenure"
July 11, 2023
After five years as executive director of Mendota Heights-based The Catholic Cemeteries, Joan Gecik is retiring Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis.”
Article by Barbara Umberger; The Catholic Spirit – Photo by Dave Hrbacek; The Catholic Spirit
Bees pollinating grounds at two Catholic Cemeteries sites in spirit of Laudato Si’
June 29. 2023
Thousands of bees fly throughout a section of Resurrection each day, pollinating native flowers as they go, whimsically bringing to mind a Scripture verse found in 1 Corinthians: “Where, O death, is thy sting?” With the cemetery’s total 190 acres, the bees in this section will not be near any cemetery visitors, said Joan Gecik, executive director of The Catholic Cemeteries.
Catholic Cemeteries hosting a Scavenger Hunt through August 31
July 19, 2022
A scavenger hunt designed as fun and an interesting way to learn more about cemeteries, as well as honoring people’s loved ones, is underway at The Catholic Cemeteries. From dawn to dusk, people can visit some or all of its five cemeteries — Calvary in St. Paul, Gethsemane in New Hope, Resurrection in Mendota Heights, and St. Anthony’s and St. Mary’s in Minneapolis — to find and photograph 15 specific symbols, many of which are Christian, on grave markers.
Cemetery visits prompt prayer, reflections on the past
November 8, 2021
Reporter Reba Luiken lived a few blocks from Calvary Cemetery in St. Paul, where she would go on walks there when the late sun and the faded monuments cast long shadows on warm summer evenings. For her, the cemetery never felt like a frightening place to be. Instead, she contemplated the lives of the more than 100,000 people buried there. Calvary Cemetery is palpably filled with the presence of generations of Catholics laid to rest there since its founding in 1856.
Pandemic's postponed burials likely drive 15% increase this year
October 28, 2021
Burials increased by 15% and cremations jumped 10% so far this year compared with 2020 at five cemetery sites overseen by The Catholic Cemeteries, likely driven by postponed committal services at the height of the pandemic, said Joan Gecik, executive director.
Slice of Life: Sacred Ground
June 18, 2021
Dave Kemp, Strategic Planning & Project Manager and his son Jay install a grave marker at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights May 26, as they work to prepare the grounds for an anticipated uptick in visitors Memorial Day weekend. “From when I first started in the field… I always wanted to provide… somebody a little moment of comfort and relief from their grief”.
Stolen moments: Twin Cities women share the pains of miscarriage
January 2, 2021
This was it, the only moment Sherryse Crow would get with her daughter. She knew she had to spend it right. Julia fit in the palms of her hands, fully formed with fingers and toes and folds in her ears.
More Catholics choose ‘green burial’
April 21, 2020
“It’s not just a national trend, but among Catholics the idea is resonating a lot,” says Sister Mary Frances Donnelly, Director of Life Transitions Ministries for The Catholic Cemeteries in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. “We want to be a part of God’s creation.
Eight tips for pre-planning your funeral
October 22, 2019
You don’t have to tell Joan Gecik that weddings are huge affairs. Getting ready for the big day can take a year or more, she said. She wishes, though, that everyone would spend more time preparing for a day that’s just as monumental: the day they meet God.
Joan Gecik is ready to lead The Catholic Cemeteries
October 21, 2019
Joan Gecik has been preparing all of her life to lead Catholic Cemeteries, the first woman to serve in this position.
Among the first in the state to offer “green” burials
July 20, 2019
‘Everything is biodegradable, including you.’ A Catholic cemetery in Mendota Heights offers green burial, free of chemicals and concrete.
Natural burial to begin at Resurrection Cemetery
May 16, 2019
Phyllis Strong, who worked in pollution control for the state of Minnesota, looks forward to The Catholic Cemeteries starting natural burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.
“It incorporates the Catholic faith view that you bury the remains in blessed ground,” said Strong, 71, a member of St. Louis King of France in St. Paul.
Cemeteries in our lives — and at the end of our lives
May 16, 2019
Archbishop Bernard Hebda first learned to ride a bike in a Catholic cemetery. This was the beginning of his special relationship with these holy places.
Catholic Cemeteries to offer ‘natural burial’ option
May 21, 2018
After his funeral Mass, Schweigert, 67, wants to be placed directly in the ground, wrapped only in cloth, with little of the funeral trappings many people have come to expect. And The Catholic Cemeteries plans to be ready to accommodate him