The Catholic Cemeteries News & Updates
The latest news at our 5 beautiful cemeteries
Jonquil Shipman Appointed New Executive Director
The Catholic Cemeteries (TCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonquil Shipman as its new Executive Director, effective September 2, 2025. Jonquil follows in the footsteps of former Executive Director, Carol Bishop, whose recent passing is deeply felt by all who knew her.
Carol Bishop
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and Executive Director, Carol Bishop.
Since joining The Catholic Cemeteries in 2023, Carol led with grace, compassion, and vision. She cared deeply for the families we serve, honoring each with dignity and understanding. She valued and uplifted every staff member, recognizing their unique gifts and contributions. Carol found joy in creating and leading the historic walking tours at St. Mary’s and was dedicated to ensuring our cemeteries remained places of peace, beauty, and remembrance.
Carol’s leadership and kindness have left a lasting mark on our organization, and she will be deeply missed by all of us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Notice Posted: 8/22/2025
New Security Systems at Chapel Mausoleums
In June, 2024 we installed a new security system for access to the Chapel Mausoleum Buildings at Resurrection Cemetery and Gethsemane Cemetery. If you require access to the building outside of regular office hours, we are able to issue access cards now. Please stop in or call our office to get a new access card/key.
Resurrection Cemetery: 651-454-5072
Gethsemane Cemetery: 763-537-4184
Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum Updates
The Mausoleum at Gethsemane received some updates including new carpeting and new lighting.
In-ground bronze vases must be inverted during the Winter Season
After the growing season every year, our field staff invert all bronze vases for the upcoming winter season. This is to protect the vases from damage. If these vases remain upright, they can be buried by snow and damaged by equipment, or ice and snow can get inside the vase and damage it.
Calvary Barn Demolition
On November 6th, 2023 demolition of the barn near the Calvary office began.
St. Mary’s Construction on Collapsed Wall
The re-construction of the collapsed wall that runs south along Chicago Ave at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Minneapolis began on October 31st, 2023. The remainder of this project will be completed in 2024.
New Road at Resurrection Cemetery
A new road was added to Resurrection Cemetery in September, 2023. Road construction began on Monday, September 11th to add a new road for Section 19 at Resurrection. Water has been shut off for the season due to the construction. Thank you for your understanding!
Obituary Scam Warning
The Catholic Cemeteries has become aware of a nationwide scam targeting families that have recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
To learn more click on the button below.
Executive Director Announcement
After 5 years of serving as Executive Director for The Catholic Cemeteries, Joan Gecik is retiring on October 4th 2023.
We are excited to announce that Archbishop Hebda has appointed Carol Bishop as the new TCC Executive Director. Carol comes to TCC with experience in administration, cemetery management, and serving as an executive director of other non-profits. Carol Bishop will begin on August 1st and will officially begin her position as Executive Director on October 5th, after Joan Gecik’s retirement.
To learn more click on the button below to read the article by The Catholic Spirit:
Cultural Heritage Small Grant
The Catholic Cemeteries (TCC) announced they are a recipient of the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) on May 18, 2023. Click below to read the full press release.
New Ossuary/Columbarium at Gethsemane Cemetery
A new ossuary/columbarium was installed at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope in August, 2023. Due to popular demand for the ossuary/columbarium at Resurrection Cemetery, this new ossuary was added at Gethsemane to increase the options for families. A statue of Saint Peter was installed on the top of the ossuary.
New Signs at Resurrection & Gethsemane Cemeteries + New Columbariums at Gethsemane
New granite cemetery signs are now at the entrances of Resurrection and Gethsemane cemeteries. At Gethsemane Cemetery, two new columbariums have also been installed in the Rosary Garden. This is due to the high demand of our customers wanting more cremation burial options near their family members. Please contact the Gethsemane Cemetery Office at 763.537.4184 for more information.
Pond Restoration at Resurrection Cemetery
All those who visit Resurrection Cemetery have seen its lovely pond, but now the pond is undergoing a restoration process. This is a before and current photo as of November of 2021. The work is scheduled to happen between the Fall of 2021 and in the Spring of 2022. Thank you for your patience as we update this beautiful area!
Stolen Vases at Resurrection Cemetery
It has been reported that a number of bronze vases at Resurrection Cemetery have been stolen. The Mendota Heights Police have been alerted and ask property owners to contact them directly at 651-452-1366 to file a police report. A copy of this police report will need to be sent to the Resurrection Cemetery Office to facilitate vase replacement. Please contact the Resurrection Cemetery Office at 651-454-5072 if you have any questions.
Area Restoration and Roadwork at Calvary Cemetery
When visiting Calvary cemetery, you may notice that some roads have been repaved. Other areas are undergoing restoration, where roads have been removed to allow for new sections so families can choose to be buried in the same area where their loved ones are interred. In the life of a cemetery, roads are intended to be taken out as more earth burial graves are needed. Eventually, a cemetery will wind up with a road around its perimeter with one or two roads going through the inside of the cemetery. We thank you for your patience, your presence and continued patronage of this historic cemetery.
