Holy Cross R.C.Cemetery

BY DALE CONNELLY

Burying the dead is one of the corporal works of mercy. For residents of Santa Cruz, the Cemetery at Holy Cross R.C. Church plays a critical role in fulfilling this sacred duty. This is because there is no public Cemetery in the area and people of different religious persuasions can bury their dead in the Cemetery at Holy Cross R.C. Church. In fact, there is a section of the Cemetery dedicated to public burials! This is a prime example of the Church serving not just its faithful, but the community at large.

In 2019, under the stewardship of Fr. Hasely, the Holy Cross R.C. Church promulgated a Policy to govern the use of the Cemetery, in accordance with the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, the directions of the Archdiocese of Portof-Spain and the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This Policy proved to be timely, as it provided an important framework to deal with the challenges of Covid-19 burials just one year later.

Because land is a finite resource, space at the Cemetery is running out. Additionally, there are several burial plots that were assigned decades ago that have now fallen into desuetude. The Policy establishes procedures for the allotment of burial plots and the setting of fees therefore, the creation of a digital database of all persons to whom burial plots have been allocated, the maintenance of the Cemetery and the resolution of disputes relating to burial plots. Further, the Parish plans to embark upon an exercise to review the demarcation of the six (6) Sections of the Cemetery and re-number the burial plots therein. If you require further information or wish to request a copy of the policy, please contact the Parish Office.