You can visit deceased loved ones Easter weekend

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | The Archdiocese of Miami’s two Catholic cemeteries will permit visitors Easter weekend while stressing the need for them to comply with social distancing guidelines. Cemetery offices will remain closed except for families making burial arrangements, and then only with prior appointments.

“The cemeteries are open for families to visit the graves of their loved ones. However, under the shelter-in-place orders, only essential services will be rendered,” said Mary Jo Frick, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries. “No work orders or customer service requests may be taken at this time. Families are reminded to observe all social distancing requirements.”

Due to the risk of infection, no flowers, poles or temporary vases will be available for purchase. Families who do not have a permanent vase should not bring flowers this weekend.

The gates of Our Lady of Mercy in Doral and Our Lady Queen of Heaven in North Lauderdale will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, and Easter Sunday, April 12. The cemeteries will close their gates at 3 p.m. on Good Friday, April 10.

“As the holiest of days are upon are us, and the resurrection of Our Lord is soon to be celebrated, your visit to Catholic Cemeteries to pray for your loved ones is important and indeed, understood,” said Frick. “Despite the limitations placed on all of us during this pandemic, we wish all of our families a blessed Easter and thank you for all of the prayers, support and understanding you continue to demonstrate as we care for those who have lost loved ones in this crisis.”

To schedule an appointment, call 305-592-0521 for Our Lady of Mercy or 954-972-1234 for Our Lady Queen of Heaven.