Website
buffalocatholiccemeteries.org
Email
cathcemsbflo@buffalodiocese.org
Facebook
facebook.com/catholiccemeteriesbuffalo
Mount Olivet
4000 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore
716.873.6500
Holy Cross
2900 South Park Ave., Lackawanna
716.823.1197
Holy Sepulchre
3063 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga
716.892.3063
Gate of Heaven
500 Riverdale Ave., Lewiston
716.282.5084
Assumption
Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island
716.873.6500
Queen of Heaven
6843 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Lockport
716.433.0941
Representing
St. Adalbert
6200 Broadway St., Lancaster
716.681.3090
Fall 2019 Newsletter
McLaughlin House
McLaughlin House will serve as the focal point for many
of our bereavement programs.
Carmen Colao, Director of Cemeteries
McLaughlin House
will serve as the
focal point for many
of our bereavement
programs.
“
”
The Most Reverend Bernard J. McLaughlin passed away on January 5, 2015 at 102 years
young! Almost immediately Catholic Cemetery staff began looking for ways to properly
recognize the Bishop for his many years of dedicated service to the Church, and in
particular, Catholic Cemeteries.
Bishop McLaughlin was ordained
to the priesthood in Vatican
City on December 21, 1935 and
celebrated 75 years as a priest in
2010. He served as Pastor to several
parishes and in various Diocesan
offices. On January 6, 1969, Pope
Paul VI ordained then Monsignor
McLaughlin a Bishop at the Vatican,
making him the first priest of the
Diocese of Buffalo to be ordained
a Bishop by the Holy Father.
On January 15, 1988, Pope John
Paul II accepted his letter of
resignation to retire from active
ministry. He then moved into the residence at 204 Knoche Road on the grounds of
Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Far from inactive, it was here that Bishop McLaughlin became very involved in the ministry
of Catholic Cemeteries over the next fifteen years. He celebrated nearly all of our monthly
Memorial Masses honoring those individuals who are buried in our sacred grounds at
Mount Olivet Cemetery. He also presided over our
annual Christmas, Memorial Day and All Souls Day
Masses. He had a great spiritual impact on many of
the families who attended these masses.
Continuing his legacy of service to those in need,
the residence at 204 Knoche Road will soon be named
McLaughlin House. Renovations to the residence are
already underway and are scheduled to be completed
later this fall followed by a dedication.
McLaughlin House will serve as the focal point for many of our bereavement programs.
It will also serve as a gathering place for families having a Committal Service for the final
placement of the cremated remains of their deceased family members.
It is fitting that the residence be named in Bishop McLaughlin’s honor. He truly lived the
words of St. Theresa of Calcutta:
Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces
we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
“
2 CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 3
Clockwise from left:
Deacon Ken Monaco presents a
flower to a participant at the Music
and Memories Service; A Family
gathers for a picture after the Music
and Memory Service; Grief Support
participants enjoyed a catered
dinner and an evening of laughs,
companionship and friendship. Grief
Support participant enjoys a shoulder
massage from a licensed massage
therapist at a Massage Therapy and
Grief presentation at Mount Olivet
Cemetery; Grief Support Participants
enjoyed popcorn and a movie night!
Through the Lens
By Marianne Hubert, Director of Grief Support Services
Grief Support Is More Than Just Support!
Grief Support groups offer companionship and friendship.
Those who have lost a loved one know how lonely life can
be, especially if your loss is one of a spouse, close friend
or family member that you spent a great deal of time with.
Grief Support groups
offer understanding of
participants to those
who have had a similar
loss and are facing the
challenges that come
with the grief that each
is experiencing. Those
who are experiencing
grief and participate
in a support group
experience emotional,
non-judgmental
support from those who are also on the grief journey. They
understand the loneliness, financial fears, and the “what
next” feelings! They many times have helpful ideas or
healing resources from their own loss experience.
At a recent grief support meeting, several participants noted
their inability to get a restful night sleep or start the day in a
“happy” mood. One of the participants offered to bring in a
mini seven minute meditation he uses for relaxing at night to
be demonstrated at the next grief support gathering. At the
end of the meeting, some present enjoyed the experience
and recorded the information source. The group then
proceed to take a head count for a “Dutch treat” dinner and
carpooled to the restaurant from the Grief Support meeting
location where they enjoyed conversation, friendship and a
delicious dinner of their choosing.
These new friendships offer opportunities to share a healing
story of a loved one. Participants walk with each other and
offer coping suggestions for day- to- day living. They help
each other get through their first holidays and experiences
and special events such as birthdays and anniversaries
without their loved one while discovering new ways of living
a happy life while keeping a loved one alive in their heart
and memories.
At Catholic Cemeteries, grief support is more than just
support. Grief support means forming friendships and
companionships. It’s enjoying dinner out, engaging in
conversation, watching a movie together and walking the
grief journey together.
Over the years, several people who have attended grief
support meetings through the Catholic Cemeteries grief
support program have formed friendships. They talk to each
other on the phone, email each other, comfort each other
during difficult times of holidays, anniversaries and birthdays
of their deceased loved ones. They may join each other for
Continued on next page
Grief support means
forming friendships
and companionships.
It’s enjoying dinner
out, engaging in
conversation, watching
a movie together and
walking the grief
journey together.
“
”
2 CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 3
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 All Souls Mass 10:00 AM Mount Olivet
Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross
Holy Trinity Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Sepulchre
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel Mausoleum
Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 Monthly Mass 9:00 AM
Mount Olivet
Ascension Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross
Holy Trinity Chapel Mausoleum
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 Christmas Mass 5:30 PM
Mount Olivet
Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross
Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum
Gate of Heaven
Holy Angels Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Sepulchre
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel Mausoleum
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 Monthly Mass 9:00 AM
Mount Olivet
Ascension Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross
Holy Trinity Chapel Mausoleum
Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 Monthly Mass 9:00 AM
Mount Olivet
Ascension Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross
Holy Trinity Chapel Mausoleum
Date Mass Time Location
Catholic Cemeteries Mass Schedule
quiet walks throughout the cemetery
grounds. They can be seen walking
together through the cemetery as the
seasons change or enjoying dinner
out together, attending special events
together, carpooling for field trips
to museums, historical buildings,
sightseeing activities, various types of
tours and much more.
Grief support participants come
together and embrace with
compassion and emotional support
for those who have just lost a love one and are attending a
support meeting for the first time and starting on their own
grief journey.
Catholic Cemeteries focus on the living.
You don’t have to grieve alone. So,
in addition to special remembrance
services and masses, techniques and
strategies to help one cope and lectures
on topics such as sleep, dreams, health,
cooking, coping skills, anxiety and
grief, finance, and many more that are
beneficial to one’s emotional health,
there are support bonds that form.
Some of these bonds develop into new,
lifelong relationships.
Catholic Cemeteries offers a comprehensive grief support
program. To learn more about these programs or to request
an informational packet, call Marianne at 716-873-6500.
Grief support participants enjoy a dinner out at
a local restaurant.
4 CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 5
Turning the Page
Peter Nicosia has worked his entire career in Cemetery Ministry. He worked 25 years for
Catholic Cemeteries, as Superintendent of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston.
In this capacity he was also responsible for the care of Cemeteries at Queen of Heaven
in Lockport, St. Mary/Sacred Heart in Niagara Falls, Holy Trinity in Lewiston, St. Bernard in
Youngstown, St. Mary in Lockport and Stella Niagara Cemetery for the Sisters of St. Francis.
Peter has always been a caring and dedicated worker. He understands the Mission of
Catholic Cemeteries to bury the dead and comfort the grieving. He is a very kind man who
sincerely cares about the families he has served over the years. In fact, Peter has developed
lasting friendships with many of those families. It is not uncommon for many of them to stop
by the Cemetery and bring food and goodies as a way of thanking him for his kindness and concern for the reverent care of
their loved ones who have gone before them.
We wish Peter a long and happy, healthy retirement. His growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren will
undoubtedly play a major role in ensuring his retirement will be just that!
God Bless you Peter!
You will be missed.
It’s Time to Plan
Life’s most important moments are usually planned in advance. You spend hours planning your
wedding, educating your children and planning for retirement. It’s important to give the same critical
thought to your burial arrangements. By making these decisions now, rather than at the time of need,
you ease the burden on your loved ones during what will be an emotional and stressful time. In fact,
there has never been a better time to plan your Catholic Burial with more options than ever before.
Inquire about the advantages of pre-planning your burial arrangements with Catholic Cemeteries.
Call 873-5680 today.
By Marianne Hubert, Director of Grief Support Services
“Fur”ever in My Heart
Pet Remembrance Service
As part of our grief support programs, we recognize the pain that accompanies the
loss of a beloved pet and the need to have this heartache recognized. Through music,
poems and stories we will celebrate the unconditional love they gave us.
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum
Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Reservations received by October 4 will have your pet’s name included in our program
and read at the Service (limit of 3 names). Family Service Counselors will be available
to discuss newly approved options for the burial of a beloved pet with their loved
one.
All people are welcome to join us, but please leave current pets at home. For more
information or to make a reservation, call 873-6500.
Kelly Strade of Joyful Rescue holding rescue
dog, Poppi discusses pet rescue options to a
participant at the Pet Remembrance Service
at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Cemetery Blueprints By Chip Mussen
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 5
St. Teresa of Calcutta Mausoleum Completed
St. Teresa of Calcutta Garden Mausoleum was recently completed
at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery. A dedication is planned for later this fall.
A beautiful mosaic, one of the most captivating pieces of art in St.
Adalbert’s, was installed on the west side of the mausoleum. You will
see that this building is different from the other mausoleums at St.
Adalbert’s with a higher profile than the other buildings. It is covered
by a peaked roof that is supported by four corner pillars. This new roof
design not only welcomes visitors with a “Church like feel” it also offers
protection from the elements. It honors St. Teresa of Calcutta and is
dedicated to her lifelong commitment to the poor and underprivileged.
There are crypt spaces available right behind the mosaic. In all, there are 348 casket spaces and 240 niches for the placement
of cremated remains. Each crypt and niche front will be adorned with a beautiful Capao Bonito Brazilian Red granite panel.
Call 873-6500 for details on these exciting new projects.
Visit Our Lady of the Rosary Cremation Garden
at Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Construction began with the pouring of foundations on the first phase of Our Lady
of the Rosary Cremation Garden last fall. We then installed the first three columbaria
in this long term project. The three units include a beautiful central columbarium
that is surrounded by two “L” shaped columbaria. Eventually we will install two more
of the “L” shaped columbaria to create a square with the main columbarium in the
center. The central columbarium features 96 niches and each of the “L” shaped
columbaria features 112 niches. Each niche can accommodate up to two sets of
cremated remains. This spring a walkway was installed leading to the columbaria,
all in a tranquil garden-like setting. This garden is situated on the north side of Ascension Mausoleum where the stunning stained
glass window in the chapel featuring the Ascension of Christ serves as a backdrop. Other phases will include cremation graves,
additional columbaria, family columbaria and benches, as well as Memorial Trees.
More Cremation Options Planned
Over the next 12 months, Catholic Cemeteries will be adding cremation
options to several of our cemeteries. These will include new Glass Front
niches in the Chapel at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Lancaster, new cremation
graves at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna in front of the wall in the
Father Baker Cremation Garden, and Glass Front niches in Resurrection
Mausoleum at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore. Future projects will include
more niches at Holy Family Chapel Mausoleum at Mt. Olivet and a
columbarium at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheektowaga.
6 CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 7
Fall Cleanup
As the cold weather approaches, we need to prepare the grounds for winter. We ask
that any decorations you wish to keep be removed from all graves by October 15,
2019. The two-week period between October 16th and 31st will be used to prepare
for the winter season.
If you wish to place a winter decoration, you may do so on or after November 1st.
If you are interested in purchasing one of our wreaths for winter placement, please
call Catholic Cemeteries after November 1st at 873-6500.
Let’s Go Paperless
Paperless Newsletters are a great way to stay organized while helping the
environment. Instead of receiving a copy of Revelations in the mail, we
will email your copy, along with updates and events, starting with the next
issue. You can also read it on our website.
Send an email to [email protected]g with your street address
and we’ll take you off our mailing list and put you on our email list.
Friends of the Cemetery
Catholic Cemeteries is continuing its successful, “Friends of the Cemetery”
donation program. With several options to choose from, the donation
program is designed to allow families and friends to honor a loved one as
well as contribute to the continued beautification of the cemetery. For more
information, call 873-6500.
Call 873-6500 today.
We welcome your comments.
Email us at:
Visit our website at:
www.buffalocatholiccemeteries.org
Referral Program
For those who have made arrangements in our
Catholic Cemeteries, a referral program has been
adopted whereby you can receive a thank you gift for
each family member who makes a selection in any
of our Cemeteries. It is important
to discuss your purchase with
family members who may
also be interested in
selecting burial space
near yours. Call 873-6500
for more information.
Inquire about the
advantages
of pre-planning.
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES, DIOCESE OF BUFFALO 7
Catholic Cemeteries: Truly a Ministry
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7:00p.m., Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Presenter, Carmen Colao, Director of Catholic Cemeteries.
Carmen Colao will reflect on his twenty-nine years as Director of Catholic Cemeteries and the
important role that cemeteries play in the caring for the bereaved.
Diet, Nutrition & Grief
Monday, Oct. 21, 4:00pm at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church.
Presenter, Erin Brudz, Clinical Nutritionist Manager and Registered Dietitian at Sisters Hospital.
Grief can affect our eating habits and a healthy diet. One may suffer from a lack of appetite or ignore
valuable nutrition. A registered dietitian/nutritionist from the Catholic Health System will focus on nourishing
the body and address how certain food can be helpful for the body when one is
experiencing grief.
Handling the Holidays
The holiday season is not always greeted with happy anticipation. Grief may make it difficult to carry
on as usual. Practical tips and strategies will be discussed for handling the holidays, to help you find
your way through the season.
Monday, Nov. 4, 4:00pm at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church
Presenter, Beth Lenegan, Ph.D is the Director of Pastoral Care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Dr. Lenegan has more than 35 years of pastoral care experience and serves on the board of the
National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7:00pm at Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Presenter, Cindy Tichenor, has served for over twenty years as a facilitator of her parish Bereavement
Support Group.
Comfort for Those Who Mourn
Bereavement Lecture Series Open to the community, free of charge
Please check our website calendar for future “Lecture Series” as well as our grief services
schedule throughout the year.
Candlelight Remembrance Service
Sunday, December 8 at 2:00pm
The holiday season is filled with memories of times spent with those
we love. When they are no longer with us, those memories become
a precious gift. This spiritually uplifting service is filled with music,
scripture, prayers and healing words from the chaplains at the Pastoral
Care Department at Hospice Buffalo. Join us as we bring light to the
Christmas season. Bring an ornament in memory of your loved one or
take one that is provided to hang on the tree.
Reserve your spot by calling Mount Olivet at 873-6500
or Holy Cross at 823-1197.
Your Choice of two locations:
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum
Holy Cross Cemetery
Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum
Carmen Colao,
Director of
Catholic Cemeteries
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NY
PERMIT NO. 1273
4000 Elmwood Avenue
Kenmore, New York 14217
Return Service Requested
Receive a $50 gift card when you pre-plan your
burial arrangements from October 1 – November 30.
0% interest financing through 2024.
Special discounts only available
at the open house.
Prior sales excluded.
Open House
Saturdays, 9am – 2pm
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Kenmore, Oct. 19
Holy Cross Cemetery
Lackawanna, Oct. 26
St. Adalbert Cemetery
Lancaster, Nov. 9
Family
is forever.
Planning your burial arrangements
with Catholic Cemeteries ensures your
family will remain together — forever.
