CRANSTON — Responding to dwindling attendance and growing financial challenges, the diocesan Office of Catholic Cemeteries has adjusted the schedule for Masses held in cemetery chapels effective June 1.
Established in the 1960s, the monthly Masses were well attended for decades.
In recent years, the attendance has decreased significantly according to the office.
Masses will continue to be celebrated on or near certain holidays.
“In recent years, interest and attendance in the monthly Masses held in cemetery chapels has decreased to only a handful of individuals in some locations,” said Arthur Lurgio, associate director for the Catholic Cemetery Office. “Given the decrease in revenue and the office’s long-standing commitment to maintain the sacred grounds of our cemeteries, we were forced to make this difficult decision. In an effort to continue to provide for the spiritual needs of the faithful and those who visit the cemeteries, Masses will continue on certain holidays.”
Lurgio also explained that the office had experienced difficulties in securing clergy to celebrate Mass as well as the cost to pay employees — often overtime — to prepare the chapels on Saturdays. With a decrease in revenue to the Catholic Cemetery system, changes were necessary to avoid deficits and ensure the continued upkeep of the cemeteries.
The Cemetery Office will continue to offer Masses on Memorial Day, All Soul’s Day and during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
There will be no change to the availability of chapels for committal services prior to the burial of loved ones.
