Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery, the first diocean Catholic cemetery in Burlington County, will hold an open house Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the cemetery and the options people have for interment, inurnment and entombment, and tour the cemetery Mausoleum while under construction. Open house attendees may select a specific crypt or niche on the spot, and will be offered a discount should they decide to make a purchase.
Families considering ground burial options may choose from an abundant inventory in both flat marker and upright headstone sections. There is also a 600 niche outdoor garden columbarium available for use.
Mark Wilson, director, diocesan Department of Cemeteries, noted that Jesus, Bread of Life serves all Catholics, and, because it is a diocesan cemetery, there is no need for a specific parish affiliation. Most importantly, Wilson, stressed, “We are not a secular cemetery with a ‘Catholic’ section. What makes that distinction is the ability to celebrate Mass and to have prayers daily for those interred as well as their families. Interment in a Catholic cemetery completes one’s life cycle as a Catholic. We are gathered in one place while we await the resurrection.”
The cemetery opened for ground burials in 2015, and columbaria inurnment for cremated remains followed in 2016. There are over 9,000 ground spaces available for casketed remains. Each grave is double depth.
The mausoleum contains four different configurations of casket crypts; single, true companion, tandem, and abbey, and contains niches for cremated remains both indoor and outdoor, as well as four sections of glass niches.
Deacon Ed Heffernan, cemetery manager, explained that the choice of a Catholic cemetery is not just a practical one. “A Catholic cemetery offers interment in a place where dignity and respect and the sacredness of life are witnessed,” he said.
Jesus, Bread of Life Catholic Cemetery is located at 3055 Fostertown Rd., Mount Laurel.
For more information contact Deacon Ed Heffernan at 856-317-6400 or eheffe@dioceseoftrenton.org.