Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering all men and women who have died during military service for the United States.
MEMORIAL DAY MASSES IN OUR PARISHES: Visit your parish website for a schedule of Mass times, or find a parish near you using our online parish finder.
Memorial Day Masses at our Catholic Cemeteries
Grand Rapids Area:
Rain or shine | Please bring your own chair
8 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery Chapel, Monsignor R. Louis Stasker, celebrant
9 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery (by the large cross), Father Jacob Zemaitis, celebrant
10 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery (in front of the Mausoleum), Father David Sacha, celebrant
Additional Masses:
Cedar Springs – Sand Lake
8 a.m. at St. Mary Cemetery, 6969 Grosvenor St. NE, Sand Lake, MI 49343, Father Lam Le, celebrant
Please bring your own chair. In the event of rain, Mass will be celebrated inside Mary Queen of Apostles Church (One W. Maple St., Sand Lake, MI 49343)
Father Lam will celebrate the Order for Visiting a Cemetery at St. Margaret of Scotland Chapel, Cedar Springs, on Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m.
Belmont
9 a.m. at St. Mary Cemetery (across the street from church, behind school playground), 6393 Belmont Ave. NE, Belmont, MI, Father Chuck Schwartz, celebrant
Please bring your own chair. In the event of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (6390 Belmont Ave. NE, Belmont)
Big Rapids
9 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 21500 17 Mile Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49307, Father Jegar Fickel, celebrant
Please bring your own chair. In the event of rain, Mass will be held at St. Mary Church (1009 Marion Ave.
Big Rapids, MI 49307)
Consider these ideas from the Memorial Day Foundation for actively remembering Americans including our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors and friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the blessings of liberty:
- Pray for the repose of the souls of those who’ve died and for comfort for their families.
- Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning.”
On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half staff from sunrise until noon, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. - Participate in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m. local time, by pausing for one full minute to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and their families.
- Renew a pledge to aid the widows, and orphans of our fallen military members, and to aid disabled veterans.
Additional resources
Prayer for Memorial Day (USCCB)
Visit a Catholic cemetery in the diocese
Reflection: Why we celebrate Memorial Day: A Lesson in Service and Sacrifice (Loyola Press)
