Monday, May 29 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 Pat Grile, CSsR, celebrant

10 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery (in front of the Mausoleum), Father David Sacha, celebrant

Cedar Springs – Sand Lake
Rain or shine | Please bring your own chair

9 a.m. at St. Mary Cemetery, 6969 Grosvenor St. NE, Sand Lake, MI 49343, Father Lam Le, celebrant

Big Rapids

9 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 21500 17 Mile Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49307, Father Jegar Fickel, celebrant

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)

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