The people of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark join with Catholic dioceses across the United States as well as all people of good will in condemning the senseless and brutal murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. We extend our deep sorrow to his family and friends, who face soul-sapping grief because of his terrible death.

We know the desire to return to your parishes, participate in the liturgy, and receive the Eucharist is incredibly strong, but we ask that everyone approach this reopening with a patient, loving and charitable mindset. The specific details of when public Mass will resume and how it will be celebrated are still being determined, but the return will occur through a three-phase gradual process.

Cardinal Tobin and the Archdiocesan leadership team continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation and to aggregate guiding information from federal, state and local officials.  Based on the latest information shared publicly, following are updated directives regarding Catholic Cemeteries approved by Cardinal Tobin for the Archdiocese of Newark.