tvc . dsj . org | February 7 , 2017 commuNity 7 Calvary Catholic Cemetery : A historic landmark continuing to serve
B y Kathy Fanger
Calvary Catholic Cemetery is one of three diocesan Catholic Cemeteries . This historic cemetery was established in 1882 , its grounds spread over 16 acres . More than 24,000 people have been interred . Each tombstone speaks of a Catholic or Christian who once walked , strived , cared and enjoyed this valley .
“ Frankie ” Williams was the first person buried at Calvary Cemetery when it opened in 1882 . He died of diphtheria at age 3 . Calvary is home to many prominent families from the “ Valley of Heart ’ s Delight .” Notable figures include Thomas Patrick Monahan , mayor of San Jose , 1912 to 1914 , Louis Pellier , and members of these families : Alameda , Alviso , Auzerais , Bernal , Berryessa , Snell and Tully . Sixteen Union Civil War veterans and hundreds of U . S . Armed Forces veterans are also interred .
Calvary is in the heart of a busy city neighborhood . It is a holy ground of rest where all are reminded that life is changed , not ended . Jesus is preparing a place for us and one day we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven .
Calvary averages 300 burials per
year . It offers a variety of burial locations , including spaces for cremated remains , indoor and outdoor crypts , and in-ground burial for individuals , couples and families . Cemetery sections are named after saints and angels . Our Lady of La Vang , Juan Diego and Our Lady of Fatima Sections are particularly special to the Vietnamese , Mexican and Portuguese communities . Annual Cemetery Events An outdoor Veterans Tribute and Mass occur each Memorial Day . Hundreds gather to remember , pray and visit the graves of their loved ones . Knights of Columbus , American Legion , and local dignitaries participate in prayer , speeches , and wreath placement honoring veterans . Days earlier , boy scouts and ROTC cadets place hundreds of flags on Veterans graves .
Dia de Los Muertos , Calvary ’ s annual Day of the Dead celebration , is a premier event in San Jose . Scheduled on the last Saturday in October , the free event , in its eighth year , draws more than 1,500 adults and children . The bilingual Prayer Service and parish children ’ s choir begins this wonderful day of ritual , music and dance . Youngsters delight in the free children ’ s craft area and bounce house . A variety of foods and crafts are for sale . Unique shadow box altars are on display in the mausoleum , made by local parish children to remember their deceased loved ones .
On All Souls Day , November 2 , Calvary hosts two Masses : a tri-lingual
Mass ( English , Spanish and Portuguese ) and a Vietnamese Mass for these communities to pray and give thanks to God for their deceased loved ones before visiting burial sites .
Calvary Catholic Cemetery grounds are open every day of the year . Staff members are available to meet you for pre-need purchases , or at time of death or marker needs . Simply call for an appointment at ( 408 ) 258-2940 .
In the near future , a kiosk will allow for easy access for obtaining burial locations and a phone app will provide historical information . Watch for our upcoming article on our third Catholic Cemetery : Saint John the Baptist in Milpitas .
Planning a Christian Funeral February 11 , 10 a . m . - 12 p . m . | Presenter : Monsignor Joseph Milani , Beddingfield Funeral Service , Catholic Cemeteries | Learn about the history and comfort of our Church ’ s rituals ( Vigil , Funeral Mass , and Committal ) and the services and options offered at a funeral home and Catholic Cemeteries .
Advance Directives February 25 , 10 a . m . - 12 p . m . | Presenter : Cindy Safe | An Advance Directive ( Power of Attorney for Health Care ) is a legal document clearly stating your health care requests if you are unable to do it for yourself . It names the person ( s ) to carry out those wishes .
Location of both workshops : Saint Joseph of Cupertino Parish , Community Center , 10110 N . DeAnza Blvd . Cupertino . For more information , contact Kathy Fanger 650-428-3730 x508 .
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Gen _ Agent _ Recruit4 , Exp . 7 / 15 / 2017