Special collection planned for Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery has been operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City since 1897. For 114 years the cemetery has met the needs of the Catholic community with compassion and integrity through the burial and memorialization of our faithful departed.

Since 1947, the cemetery has been the site of the annual Memorial Day Mass. Every January a vigil dedicated to the pain and suffering felt by our unborn is held at the garden area, representing the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade verdict. Mass will also be held at the cemetery on the Feast of All Souls Day.

Mount Calvary Cemetery provides many opportunities for Utah Catholics’ families, friends and loved ones to honor the memories of those they cherish so deeply. The cemetery sits on a hill with a scenic view of the Salt Lake Valley. Its grounds include two mausoleums, a garden columbarium and a cremains garden.

The Holy Cross plat is the centerpiece of the cemetery; this space is reserved for those who have served the diocese as bishops, priests, sisters and deacons. The plat is a large circular area that has an altar at its center. In July the crumbling curb circling the Holy Cross plat was replaced with new concrete curbing that includes handicap access. John Curtice, director of Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, extends a special thank you to the donor who financed this project.

The cemetery board of directors and staff are working with the Knights of Columbus who have offered to restore the crucifix that is also located in the Holy Cross plat. Plans are to replace the cross with a weather-resistant painted steel cross. The existing copper Corpus will be refinished to its natural color and then attached to the new cross.

Innovative plans are being discussed for future expansions relating to reclamation programs on the cemetery grounds. There also is the possibility of constructing an additional columbarium.

However, many expenses are incurred while maintaining a 19.5 acre pristine cemetery. Revenue that is earned through sale of grave plots, crypts and niches only covers a fraction of the costs. Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery belongs to all faithful Catholics in the community, and over the years charitable donations have offset many of its expenses.

This year, a special collection is planned for Salt Lake Valley parishes at Masses during the weekend of Aug. 27.

"With your generous donations we can continue to preserve this holy place of reverence dedicated to our dearly departed," Curtice said. "If your parish is not participating in this special collection and you would like to donate to Mount Calvary Cemetery your contribution will be greatly appreciated."

Curtice also welcomes suggestions and comments. To reach him, or to purchase a pre-need resting place, contact the cemetery at 801-355-2476, www.mtcalvarycemetery.org or visit 275 U St. in Salt Lake City.