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Hono r i n g Fa i t h & Trad i t i on s

B E R E AV E M E N T S U P P O RT

M O N T H LY M A S S O F R E M E M B R A N C E , M E M O R I A L D AY & A L L S O U L S D AY M A S S E S

S P E C I A L WAY S T O R E M E M B E R Y O U R L O V E D O N E

A F T E RC A R E C H E C K L I S T

H E R I TA G E P RO T E C T I O N P RO G R A M

B E A U T I F I C AT I O N P RO G R A M

CATHOLIC CEMETERIESO F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E O F M I A M I

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p r o g r a m“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Hono r i n g Fa i t h & Trad i t i on s

A fter a family member’s death, on-going cemetery visits are encouraged and the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Miami support these Spiritual Works of Mercy by providing monthly Mass, anniversary services and other opportunities for prayer

and remembrance. Additionally, families are encouraged to pray at the burial sites of their beloved dead to observe birth and death dates, wedding anniversaries, other religious holidays, including Easter, All Saints and All Souls, Cemetery Sunday and civic holidays such as Veterans

Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day.

Families are invited to join our cemetery family in carrying out the other corporal works of Mercy. If you are interested in copies of our newsletter,

call us at 305-592-0521 or visit our website at www.catholiccemeteriesmiami.org.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIESO F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E O F M I A M I

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

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The death of a loved one is a major life event that can impact individuals and families in many and varied ways: emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, physically, practically, and socially. The grief that results from a loss is unique to each individual and carries with it no timetable or ‘how to’ manual. But, the presence of a healthy and functional support system is a wonderful gift that can be invaluable to anyone left to live in the world without his or her loved one. Although family and friends generally form the nucleus of those ready to help following a death, good and appropriate support can also come in other forms.

Participation in a bereavement support group has long been recognized as a valuable tool in grief recovery for some. Groups provide connection, understanding and emotional and spiritual support in a caring, non-judgmental, confidential setting. Participants personally understand the challenges of daily life following the death of a loved one, and through the sharing of these common experiences and concerns, they can encourage one another, learn new coping skills and find relief from the isolation of grief.

A bereavement support group is just one option for outreach. Some grievers may benefit from counseling to process their emotional and spiritual losses and will find a knowledgeable, objective listener in the trained professional. A licensed professional can provide sound psychological insights that will allow for new ways to think about, understand, and deal with loss.

Resources are available for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Catholic Hospice provides on-going bereavement support groups throughout the Miami-Dade Community, which are facilitated by personal and caring bereavement experienced counselors. The support groups are free and open to the community.

If you’d like to receive more information on our Bereavement Programs, please call us at 305.822.2380 or send e-mail to: SpecialCare@CatholicHospice.org

Catholic Hospice is affiliated with Catholic Health Services.

MONTHLY MASS OF REMEMBRANCE

ALL ARE WELCOME!

OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN 954-972-1234 *3rd Saturday of every month at 9 am

OUR LADY OF MERCY 305-592-0521 *1st Saturday of every month at 10 am†

OUR LADY OF MERCY 305-592-0521 *3rd Saturday of every month at 10 am†

(*Except for Holy Days of Obligation, Mother’s Day Weekend and Holy Week). †Please call us to confirm language for Mass.

An integral aspect of this ministry is to provide for the spiritual needs of our families. As part of the fulfillment of this commitment, Masses are celebrated every month throughout

the year in memory of our deceased loved ones and their name is added in the Book of Remembrance.

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MEMORIAL DAY MASSCatholic Cemeteries cordially invites you to our annual Memorial Day Mass at 10:00AM in all our cemetery locations. Invite friends and family to the celebration of Mass to pray

and remember the faithful departed.

The first official Memorial Day was recorded in May of 1868, after the Civil War. The holiday was started by Commander-in Chief John A. Logan, “For the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise

decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and churchyard in the land.”

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on

Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

TWO VERY SPECIAL HOLY DAYS

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ALL SAINTS DAYThe Solemnity of All Saints (Nov. 1) is a very special day in the life of the Church. It is closely linked with the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) the following day. It celebrates all who have lived holy and devout lives and now share the victory of Christ in glory.

Christian communities remember the names of their dead. These names are on the walls and windows of churches and on grave markers that surround rural churches and adorn cemeteries and mausoleums. The names are read in prayers of intercession and remembered on anniversaries. The names of those who are called saints are chanted in a litany as we approach baptism and other central moments in the life of the Church.

CEMETERY SUNDAYIn 1978, the National Catholic Cemetery Conference proposed that Cemetery Sunday be observed on the first Sunday in November. Cemetery Sunday shows “what God expects us to do.” God expects us to remember and respect those who have gone before us. As Catholics, we

gather on Cemetery Sunday to pray for the souls of those buried in our cemeteries. Catholic cemeteries reflect Catholic beliefs, and Cemetery Sunday offers a comforting atmosphere in which love for family and friends is remembered, hope is rekindled, and faith is awakened, renewed and strengthened. Let us gather as a faith community on Cemetery Sunday as testimony to our loved ones who have gone before us.

ALL SOULS DAY The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Nov. 2) is a powerful reminder of our sense of family togetherness. It invites us to recall the members of our personal families and circle of friends, as well as those of our spiritual family. All Souls Day urges us to remember our family roots, roots that are embraced by the

communion of saints, on this day and throughout the month of November. We are called upon to remember in grateful prayer all our family members and friends who have died and who still yearn for the fullness of the

vision and presence of God.

The Archbishop and his Auxiliary Bishop celebrate Mass annually in each cemetery on All Souls Day at 10:00 AM in a tradition over 50 years old.

SPECIAL WAYS TO REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE

MEMORIALIZATIONWe understand how important it is to honor the tradition of carrying on a family legacy. Catholic Cemeteries is dedicated

to help you through the important process of remembering a life well lived. Our memorial counselors are available to review and guide you through the unique legacy collection and create a special remembrance for generations to come.

FRESH CUT FLORAL PROGRAMFor centuries, flowers have been used to express sympathy, honor and love in memory of those who have gone before us. Our Catholic mausoleums and cemeteries offer a way to continue this beautiful tradition through our on site flower shop. Flowers may be purchased on site, by phone or via long-term contract. You can enjoy the comfort of knowing this symbol of remembrance is always there to honor a very special life.

MEANINGFUL BRONZE MEDALLIONSOur wide variety of religious, military, wreath and professional symbols allow you to express your faith, devotion and service with grace and dignity.

MAUSOLEUM MEMORIALIZATION

PERMANENT BRONZE FLOWERSFor families no longer in the area and those who prefer a permanent remembrance, our cemeteries offer hand-crafted bronze flowers made in Verona, Italy.

ARTWORK MEMORIALIZATIONOur Mausoleums are adorned with mosaics, statues, sacred art and colorful stained glass windows. Beautiful works of art are available to memorialize in the name of your loved one.

MEMORIAL BENCH PROGRAMThe memorial bench program allows a family to dedicate a granite bench that can be permanently inscribed in the memory of a loved one. The bench may be selected by the family from the available inventory in designated areas.

CANDLE REMEMBRANCE / VOTIVE CANDLESVotive Candles available in our Chapel Mausoleums offer families the Church tradition of candle lighting to remember a loved one or special intention in prayer.

PERSONAL COLOR CAMEOFor a truly personal remembrance, choose a treasured photo to be reproduced in full-color, fine-detailed quality. When loved ones visit the memorial, they will be able to see meaningful images that capture a true personality.

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____ 1. Consider thank you notes as a response for those who sent Mass cards, flowers, donations or showed a special kindness. Consider a personal note thanking the clergy for spiritual help.

____ 2. File life insurance claims.

____ 3. Make sure that your own life insurance policies are up to date and do not have the deceased as your beneficiary.

____ 4. If the deceased was your spouse, you should receive a death benefit of $255 (presently) from social security. If the deceased was not married or widowed, there will be no benefit from social security.

____ 5. If the deceased was a veteran, you may qualify for veteran’s benefits.

____ 6. Meet with the deceased’s attorney to discuss any necessary legal processes.

____ 7. You may need to notify the deceased’s accountant or tax advisor.

____ 8. Notify the deceased’s bank. If you had joint accounts, you will need to remove the deceased name from the account.

____ 9. Notify the credit card companies of the deceased. Remember, some credit cards and/or other loans will have credit life insurance to pay off balances. You may wish to inquire about the existence of credit life insurance coverage prior to paying off any balances.

____ 10. Newspaper and Mail. The newspaper subscription will need to be discontinued if no one else resides at the home of the deceased and the Post Office may need to be contacted about a forwarding address for mail.

____ 11. Update your will. If you lost your spouse, it is important that your own will is brought up to date. New beneficiaries may need to be designated.

____ 12. Please keep the “License for Burial” in a safe place. If the cemetery license was recently paid in full, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Please call the cemetery office 305-592-0521 with any questions.

____ 13. Review your memorialization and future cemetery needs.

____ 14. It is highly recommended that all license-holders make definite assignments of their unused interment spaces with a Designation of Interment form while living. This form may be obtained and filed at the cemetery office. License-holders may also leave interment rights to their heirs by making a special bequest in a will.

This booklet is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice.

AFTERC ARE CHECKLIST

HERITAGE PROTECTION PROGRAM

“Knowing that tomorrow our memorial will be near our loved ones, has been a great comfort to us today .”

For family members who may be interested in being near your loved ones, please contact a Family Service Counselor who can provide availability, pricing and financing options.

If you feel that maintaining family heritage is important to you, make your arrangements now as space is limited.

1-800-988-9996

(There is no obligation to receive this information)Please call or fill-out the reverse and return the attached envelope for more information.

THE ARCHDIOCESAN CEMETERY PROGRAM is committed to helping families at the time of the loss of a loved one. Our booklet, “Preparing A Catholic Funeral”, is a comprehensive step-by-step communication guide that will help make cemetery arrangements and the Funeral Mass more meaningful. Booklets are available without charge and can be obtained at either cemetery office, or by calling or by visiting our website http://www.catholiccemeteriesmiami.org

Name ______________________________________

Address _____________________________________

City________________________________________

State _______________ Zip _____________________

Phone ______________________________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

Name ______________________________________

Address _____________________________________

City________________________________________

State _______________ Zip _____________________

Phone ______________________________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

Name ______________________________________

Address _____________________________________

City________________________________________

State _______________ Zip _____________________

Phone ______________________________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

Name ______________________________________

Address _____________________________________

City________________________________________

State _______________ Zip _____________________

Phone ______________________________________

E-Mail ______________________________________

*Maintaining family heritage is important. Please refer a family member or friend, as space is limited.

o I WOULD LIKE A FREE COPY OF OUR PLANNING GUIDE.

o English o Spanish

PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING:

PLEASE FILL-OUT BELOW AND RETURN IN THE ATTACHED ENVELOPE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS.

I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:

o Heritage Protection Program*

o Bronze Medallions

o Artwork Memorialization

o Floral Tribute Program

o Mausoleum Crypts

o Traditional Ground Burial

o Private Mausoleum Estates

o Personal Color Cameo

o Bench Memorial Program

o In-ground Family Estates

o Cremation Niches

Our Lady Queen of Heaven1500 South State Road 7North Lauderdale, FL. 33068

Our Lady of Mercy11411 NW 25th StreetMiami, FL. 33172

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CEMETERY BEAUTIFIC ATION

AMERICAN FLAGS are flown daily in designated areas in both Archdiocesan cemeteries to

honor the military service of all veterans. Smaller flags are permitted on individual graves from Memorial Day thru Flag Day and on Veterans Day (Veterans Day flags may be placed 3 days prior to the holiday and remain one week after the holiday).

FLOWERS & DECORATIONSMONUMENTS: Annuals may only be planted in urns or vases that are attached to monument bases. Flowers may not exceed fifteen [15”] inches in height and must be removed by family members when no longer viable.

FLUSH MEMORIALS: Only fresh flowers are permitted in ground burial sections in permanent memorial vases or plastic vases available at the cemetery. NO GLASS or CERAMIC is permitted. Flowers are removed by cemetery staff when no longer viable. GARDEN MAUSOLEUM: Only fresh flowers are permitted in approval vases. Flowers are removed by cemetery staff when no longer viable. No plastic or metal ornaments or decorations.

INDOOR CHAPEL Mausoleums: Niche arrangements may be no more than 5 inches above the vase, 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep (5” x 4” x 3”). Flowers must be silk representations of those found in nature. Arrangements may not infringe on adjacent niches. Crypt arrangements may be no more than 9 inches above the vase, 12 inches wide and 5 inches deep (9” x 12” x 5”). Flowers must be silk representations of those found in nature. Arrangements may not infringe on adjacent crypts or obstruct the surname of the deceased. No glitter, feathers or beads. No plastic or metal ornaments. No pictures except permanent ceramic in frame approved by cemetery.

CEMETERY VISITING HOURSGates are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS8:30 a.m. - 5:00p.m. Monday - SaturdayCLOSED on Sunday

CEMETERY OFFICES CLOSED New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence DayLabor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day,Good Friday at noon

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T H E A R C H D I O C E S E O F M I A M I

Hono r i n g Fa i t h & Trad i t i on s

OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN1500 SOUTH STATE ROAD 7

NORTH LAUDERDALE, FL 33068TEL: 954-972-1234

OUR LADY OF MERCY11411 NW 25TH STREET

MIAMI, FL 33172TEL: 305-592-0521

www.catholiccemeteriesmiami.org