Christ Cathedral’s service will include a 21-gun salute, a procession and the release of 100 doves at its newly expanded cemetery grounds

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (May 23, 2022) — The Diocese of Orange Catholic Cemeteries is pleased to announce the return of Memorial Day observations at its four cemetery properties, following two years of cancelations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Masses will be held concurrently at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 30, inside Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove and at three Diocese of Orange cemeteries: Ascension in Lake Forest, Holy Sepulcher in Orange and Good Shepherd in Huntington Beach.

After Christ Cathedral’s Mass, the celebration will continue around 11 a.m. with a procession from the cathedral to the newly expanded Cathedral Memorial Gardens cemetery for a special prayer service.

Please note that video cameras will not be permitted inside Christ Cathedral during its 10 a.m. Mass at Christ Cathedral, but will be welcome to cover the post-Mass procession and the special prayer service.

That service — which will be presided over by the cathedral’s rector, the Very Rev. Christopher Smith — will include bagpipe music, a 21-gun salute, the release of 100 doves, military songs, and dozens of U.S. Marines carrying flags and joining in the procession.

There will also be a recital from the Arvella Schuller Carillon, which contains 52 bells and is located inside the 236-foot stainless steel Crean Tower. The carillon is named after the wife of the late Rev. Robert Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral that was purchased by the Diocese of Orange and rededicated as Christ Cathedral.

The presiders of the other three Masses are the following: Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen at Ascension, Bishop Timothy Freyer at Holy Sepulcher and the Rev. Kevin Sweeney at Good Shepherd.

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What: Memorial Day Masses at cemeteries throughout the Diocese of Orange, including Christ Cathedral’s Memorial Gardens

When: Monday, May 30, 10 a.m. An 11 a.m. prayer service and procession will follow at Cathedral Memorial Gardens at Christ Cathedral

Visuals: Video cameras are not allowed in Christ Cathedral during the Mass, but they will be welcome, starting around 11 a.m., for the post-Mass procession, 21-gun salute, the release of 100 doves, military songs, and dozens of U.S. Marines carrying flags.

RSVP: Media are asked to RSVP to cover any of the Memorial Day services by emailing Bradley Zint, assistant director of communications, at bzint@rcbo.org or (657) 390-3914

Where: Christ Cathedral and the Cathedral Memorial Gardens, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove; Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Canyon Road, Lake Forest; Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange; Good Shepherd Cemetery, 8301 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach

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About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic centers and 35 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at www.rcbo.org.

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