Beneath these aged grounds lie stories as deep as the roots of the ancient trees. Welcome to St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery. Here, we honor Boston’s departed.
St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery offers a serene final resting place. It reflects the enduring traditions of the Catholic faith. The Boston Catholic Cemetery Association began in 1851. It started in Dorchester. Now, it maintains four non-sectarian cemeteries in Boston.
The association’s mission is simple. It provides a peaceful place for the deceased. The association was incorporated as the “Catholic Cemetery Association in Dorchester.” This happened in 1851. Later, in 1877, it was renamed the “Boston Catholic Cemetery Association.”
Initially, 215 members founded the association. Their aim was to establish a burial ground for Catholics. Today, St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery welcomes people of all faiths.
The first burial by the association took place in 1841. It was at St. Mary’s in Dorchester. The association now manages several cemeteries. These include Mount Calvary Cemetery. It is located at 366 Cummins Highway in Roslindale. Mount Benedict Cemetery is at 409 Corey Street in West Roxbury. New Calvary Cemetery sits at 800 Harvard Street in Mattapan. St. Mary’s Cemetery is located at 125 Bernard Street in Dorchester.
Visiting hours vary. Mid-October to mid-April sees gates open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Mid-April to mid-October extends the hours. During this period, the gates are open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. St. Mary’s is closed. A 48-hour notice is needed for visits. Call the Mount Calvary office to arrange access.
The association is a non-profit organization. Its sole purpose is the upkeep of these cemeteries. They have over 150 years of experience. They have overseen more than 340,000 burials.
Funeral protocols are in place. Processions are greeted at the main entrance. Staff collects paperwork and coordinates the service. The staff helps at the graveside. This ensures a smooth and respectful service.
The association asks that attendees stay 15 feet from the grave. This is while staff prepares the site. Once complete, families may visit the grave as normal.
Masses are held each Memorial Day. They take place at Mount Benedict and New Calvary Cemeteries. All are welcome to attend these services.
The Boston Catholic Cemetery Association offers a grave lookup service. It’s available online. This helps families locate their loved ones’ resting places.
Remember those original 215 members. They sought to create a sacred space. St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery continues their vision. It offers solace and remembrance in the heart of Boston.