Gary Diocesan Cemeteries

“God of the living and the dead accept our prayers for those who have died in Christ and are buried with him in the hope of rising again. In your mercy grant them eternal rest”

Choose a Sacred Place

The Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church defines only two places as being sacred: the Church building where Jesus resides in the tabernacle; and the Catholic Cemetery which is an expression of faith and an extension of the parish community. Catholic Cemeteries are both a consolation to the bereaved and an inspiration to the living.

When we are baptized, we are brought to a sacred place, a Catholic church, and baptized into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection-thus giving us the promise of eternal life. When one of our loved ones passes away, we take them to another sacred place, a Catholic cemetery, for burial in sacred ground thus in life and in death we profess and await the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life.

Death as seen through the eyes of a Christian is not the end; it is the passageway to a changed life with God. Burial in a Catholic cemetery is a statement of belief in that everlasting life, even in death.

Cemeteries hold the earthly remains of our family members and friends who have shared their love, friendship and faith with us throughout their lives. A grave in a cemetery evokes sadness; a grave in a Catholic cemetery is in addition a sign of hope in God and His promise of everlasting life.

Saint Joseph cemetery was established by Reverend Henry Plaster, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Hammond. The date is thought to be about August 11, 1881. St Joseph Cemetery was located at the corner of 165th street and Hohman ave. Mr. John Verhoven donated one acre of land to be used as a cemetery. In 1886 an additional three acres was added to the cemetery.

St. Stanislaus Cemetery was developed by St. Stanislaus Church as a parish cemetery. The first burial was recorded in 1898. For many years there was no general maintenance provided. The ground became very unsightly and was referred to as a “sandbur patch.”

Ss Peter and Paul Parish can trace their history back 173 years when the first Mass was celebrated in a log cabin in Turkey Creek (Merrillville) 1841. The settlement of German immigrants occasionally had a visiting priest to say Mass for them.

MAIN OFFICE: ST. JOHN - ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CEMETERY
PHONE: (219) 844-9475 FAX: (219) 844-3770 EMAIL: MWELSH@GARYCATHCEMS.ORG

OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. SATURDAY: 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.