Cemetery

 

SAINT  EDWARD  THE  CONFESSOR  CHURCH  CEMETERY

22 West Stafford Road, Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076

 Set among the rolling hills and  green pastures of Northeast Connecticut, the entrance to the cemetery is at 22 West Stafford Rd (Route 190)  in Stafford (beside Dunkin' Donuts).  The hours of operation are daylight to dusk. Please contact the Parish Office for arrangements at (860)684-2705.

 

According to the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church, only two places are sacred: the Church Building where Jesus resides in the tabernacle, and the Catholic Cemetery which is an expression of faith and an extension of the parish community. 

Every since the sacred body of Jesus Christ was reverently laid in a tomb, the Catholic Church has respected the profound goodness and loving mercy derived from the interment of the deceased.  Burial is a Corporal Work of Mercy and consecrated Catholic Cemeteries serve the purpose of burying the faithful departed to bear witness to Christ and to await the resurrection into life everlasting.

The area of land that a Catholic Cemetery rests on is considered "Holy Ground."  This land has been blessed by the Bishop and once the deceased is laid to rest, one can have the reassurance and knowledge that their loved one is truly blessed from this sanctifying gift.  Being buried in a Catholic Cemetery is truly a Holy Privilege.  In an effort to adhere to the fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church, Saint Edward Church has worked diligently to maintain the dignity and beauty of its cemetery, which also serves other Catholic Churches in the area.

In the past decade the number of people who have chosen cremation as part of their funeral rites has quadrupled.  In response to this, most cemeteries have established sites for the erection of a Columbaria for the interment of ashes.  The two Columbaria in St. Edward Cemetery are located in the area around the statue of St. Anthony with 48 niches for urns in each. 

Since the Church views our human bodies as the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the laws of the Church do not allow for the scattering of cremains.  They are to be kept together and properly buried. 

Many Catholics purchase their plots or Columbarias in advance as part of their estate planning and for their family's peace of mind.  Today, over half of the purchases of burial space made in Catholic cemeteries are made as pre-need purchases.  With thoughtful planning and economic prudence, the decisions made will be your own and give you peace of mind.  Please note that, if need be, you can sell your plot back to the church at the same price that you paid for it, minus a 10% administrative fee.  Our staff is here to assist you with your cemetery needs and pricing questions.  Please call the office for an appointment at (860)684-2705.


SAINT  EDWARD  CEMETERY  CORPORATION  RULES  AND  REGULATIONS

Inasmuch as this Cemetery is consecrated by the Church as a place of burial, a strict observance of properties is required.  The complete set of Cemetery Corporation Rules and Regulations may be obtained at the Cemetery Office, 27 Church Street, Stafford Springs, Connecticut.  Please call the church office with any questions at (860)684-2705. Following the guidelines below will help us maintain the beauty  of our cemetery.

  • The purchase of a plot or niche in St. Edward Cemetery does not transfer ownership of the land or niche to the purchaser.  The lot or niche owner is only "buying" the privilege of burial in that lot or niche.

  • Unfortunately the erection of shrines, gardens or shrubs around the monument is not allowed.

  • Dog walking in our Cemetery is no longer allowed. Please be advised that bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and recreational walking are prohibited. Anyone doing so does this at their own risk.

  • Fresh (natural) flowers are always preferred.  Artificial flowers are discouraged UNLESS they are kept in containers and not stuck in the ground.

  • Wilted flowers - and other refuse must be removed. Flowers and potted plants that are left uncared for will be discarded two (2) months after the Holiday the flowers, plants or decorations celebrate. The daily closing hour is at dusk.

  • The size and design of "Memorial Work" must meet cemetery specifications.  Please contact the Parish Office for specifications information. Flags are to be placed as close to the headstone as possible.

It is understood that the St. Edward Cemetery Corporation cannot be held responsible for any damages to grave decorations and memorial stones.

We appreciate your cooperation.  Currently this Cemetery is in good shape, and additional improvements will be made as time and finances permit.