Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is a Catholic cemetery with locations carrying the same name in several American communities. The most extensively documented site in the provided information is Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan, a 350-acre Catholic cemetery founded in 1928 with mausoleums, columbaria, cremation spaces, family estates, memorials, and landscaped grounds.
Other Holy Sepulchre cemeteries identified in the material are located in Omaha, Nebraska, and Orange, California. Because the name refers to more than one cemetery, the location should be confirmed before arranging a visit, requesting a grave search, or reviewing burial options.
Meaning of the name Holy Sepulchre
Holy Sepulcher refers to the tomb in which the Body of Jesus Christ was laid after His death upon the Cross. The Evangelists tell us that it was Joseph of Arimathea’s own new monument, which he had hewn out of a rock, and that it was closed by a great stone rolled to the door (Matthew 27:60, Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53).
It was in a garden in the place of the Crucifixion and was nigh to the Cross (John 19:41, 42) which was erected outside the walls of Jerusalem, in the place called Calvary but close to the city (John 19:20) and by a street (Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29).
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan
Located in Southfield, Michigan, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery dates its beginning to 1928. Situated on beautiful forested grounds it has a calming effect on all who visit, or stroll alongside Lake Geneserath, home to many and various birds and waterfowl like geese, ducks and even an occasional blue heron or egret.
It consists of about 350 acres of land and sits like an oasis in the busy enclave of Oakland County. Holy Sepulchre is on 350 acres. The cemetery is operated by the Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services, a Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.
Location and identification
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan, USA |
| Coordinates | 42.48140, -83.30280 |
| Established | 1928 |
| Area | 350 acres |
| USGS GNIS feature ID | 628490 (Holy Sepulchre Cemetery) |
| Cemetery ID | 744 |
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) feature ID for the cemetery is 628490 (Holy Sepulchre Cemetery). The cemetery office limits a walk-up customer to 3 grave-site lookups.
Please call or write the Cemetery Office to obtain the Section, Lot, and Grave numbers for your photo requests.
Facilities and memorial features
The Main Mausoleum at Holy Sepulchre dates back to 1950, with additional Outdoor Mausoleums and Columbaria erected in the mid-1990’s. The cemetery offers a large indoor mausoleum containing crypts, niches and private rooms, as well as an Outdoor Garden Mausoleum.
- Stations of the Cross
- Cremation Garden and Nature Walk
- Niches available with glass, bronze or marble fronts
- Large indoor mausoleum contains crypts, niches and private rooms
- Outdoor Garden Mausoleum
- Family estates available with a variety of options
- Flush and upright granite memorials
- Bench Memorials
Many monuments and private family mausoleums herald the names of many prominent individuals from Michigan. All in all, this is sacred ground, dedicated to the memory of all who rest within its boundaries.
History and notable people commemorated
One Michigan Governor, Harry Francis Kelly (Governor 1943-1946) rests here. Many politicians also are there, such as Congressman John D. Dingell Sr. (father of the current Congressman).
Leaders of the Archdiocese of Detroit rest there, including all the bishops and archbishops from Bishop Peter Paul Lefevre to Cardinals Edward Mooney and John Dearden. Many Detroit clergymen rest at Holy Sepulchre, with some as the noted radio-priest Fr. Charles Coughlin and the founder of Focus:Hope Fr. William Cunningham interred in family lots.
Many religious organizations, both male and female, priests, brothers and nun are also there. Included among them as the Felician Sisters, Religious Sisters of Mercy, Basilian Fathers, Little Sister of the Poor, Franciscan Fathers, Congregation of Christian Brothers, PIME Missionary Fathers, Carmelite Sisters, the Society of Mary (Marists), Dominican Friars, Dominican Nuns, Daughters of Divine Charity, and others.
Veterans and military history
Veterans of all wars and conflicts from the Civil War onward rest there. One Civil War “hero”, Captain John C. Hardy of the 2nd Michigan Infantry, who led a successful countercharge at Fort Steadman in March, 1865 to beat back the last serious offensive of the Confederate Army before the city of Petersburg, Va. is there.
After the war he fathered three priest-sons and one daughter-nun.
Sports, civic, and community figures
The sports world is definitely represented there by Tiger owners Frank Navin and Walter O. “Spike” Briggs, as well as baseball players Charlie Gehringer, Billy Rogell, Steve Gromek, Al Cicotte, Harry Heilmann, Vic Wertz and Barney McCosky.
Many leaders of industry such as the seven Fisher Brothers are there. Viola Liuzzo, the Civil Rights Worker slain in the 1960’s is there. Many funeral directors of the area are there, too numerous to mention.
And many ordinary and humble Catholics, who achieved their own stature in life rest beside the well-known at Holy Sepulchre.
Catholic purpose and religious character
The Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries, Holy Sepulchre, is an extension of the Catholic Church which ministers to the faithful at significant moments in their lives - primarily the moment of death of a loved one.
All services, available to the families and friends of the loved one, are designed to emulate the comfort and compassion of Jesus. Our ministries are rooted in a firm belief in the sacredness of human life.
It is a place ideal for prayerful, quiet thoughts and meditations, and a fitting example of our Christian faith and beliefs.
Burial, mausoleum, cremation, and memorial options
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery offers graves, mausoleum spaces, niches, family estates, cremation garden features, and memorial options. The current location page highlights indoor mausoleum space, outdoor mausoleums, niches, family estates, granite memorials, and bench memorials.
Traditional graves
Traditional ground burial provides a dedicated location within the cemetery grounds for the interment of a body. Flush and upright granite memorials can identify and honor those who are buried in the grounds.
Mausoleum crypts and private rooms
The large indoor mausoleum contains crypts, niches and private rooms. Outdoor mausoleums and columbaria were added in the mid-1990’s, expanding the available choices for above-ground memorialization.
Cremation niches
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery accepts cremated remains. CFCS states that all cemetery locations accept cremated remains and offer burial choices such as niches, cremation burial sites, and family placement options.
Niches are available with glass, bronze or marble fronts. Cremated remains may also be placed through family estates and other designated cemetery arrangements.
Cremation garden and nature walk
The Cremation Garden and Nature Walk provides a landscaped setting associated with cremation memorialization and quiet reflection. The cemetery’s forested grounds and Lake Geneserath contribute to a natural environment with birds and waterfowl.
Family estates
Family estates are available with a variety of options. This unique program allows for graves or crypts already owned by families to be transformed into a family estate.
Depending on the grave or crypt selected, a number of cremated remains can typically be added. The plot will serve as a family’s final gathering place, allowing family members who have lived apart to be together on their final journey.
Granite and bench memorials
Flush and upright granite memorials provide different forms of cemetery identification and commemoration. Bench memorials offer another way to create a permanent place for remembrance within the cemetery grounds.
Who can be buried in a Catholic cemetery?
Catholic cemeteries primarily serve the Catholic community, including non-Catholic spouses, children, parents, and relatives. CFCS also states that other Christians in the community may be buried in Catholic cemeteries.
Cremation and Catholic funeral services
Families can choose cremation and still hold a Catholic funeral or memorial service. CFCS states that cremation may follow the funeral liturgy, and a memorial service may also take place with cremated remains present.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery accepts cremated remains and offers burial choices such as niches, cremation burial sites, and family placement options.
Pre-planning burial or cremation arrangements
Families can pre-plan burial or cremation arrangements at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. CFCS states that pre-planning gives families peace of mind, reduces emotional overspending, and offers flexible payment terms.
Taking the time to pre-plan your burial service not only ensures that your wishes are met but also provides comfort and peace of mind to your loved ones during a difficult time.
- Financial security: Pre-planning locks in current prices, protecting against inflation and keeping your budget stable. You can also pay over time, making costs more manageable.
- Emotional relief: By planning in advance, you’re providing vital support to your family in their time of need, allowing them to honor your life rather than focus on arrangements.
- Personalization: Pre-planning enables you to customize every detail of your memorialization, ensuring it reflects your unique personality, values, and wishes.
Services and support for families
Our mission is to provide guidance and wisdom on end-of-life services. While we do charge for our services in what has become a very commercial industry, we are committed as a charity to offer innovative programs that provide financial assistance, free options, and programs to meet the needs of our faith community.
Pastoral Care Program
CFCS is here to help bereaved Catholic families suffering the loss of a loved one. Too often, that suffering is combined with physical and social isolation, and the Church has a chance to fill the void of loss with faith and compassion.
Our qualified Pastoral Ministers’ will make contact with our recently bereaved families, offering prayer, consolation, and comfort to those in a time of suffering.
All Souls Remembrance Program
CFCS offers at no charge, to anyone, of any faith, who has cremated remains at home or is considering scattering, the dignified committal of the remains at any of our cemeteries.
The committal will occur at the All Souls Remembrance Crypt and then the remains will be permanently interred within the consecrated grounds of the Catholic Cemetery.
Mother Teresa Program
With the Mother Teresa Program, CFCS is able to give back to the community by ensuring that those in need in our community receive sacred and dignified funeral, cremation, and cemetery services.
Family Heritage Program
This unique program allows for graves or crypts already owned by families to be transformed into a family estate. Depending on the grave or crypt selected, a number of cremated remains can typically be added.
The plot will serve as a family’s final gathering place, allowing family members who have lived apart to be together on their final journey.
Precious Lives Program
This program provides caring funeral and cemetery financial support for those who have suffered the loss of a child.
The program also provides sacred interment services in the Order of Christian Funerals, for hospitals within the community, for the death of an unborn child at any of our Catholic Cemeteries.
Finding a grave and visiting the cemetery
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Ascension Garden make it easy for you to locate your loved ones who are interred in our cemeteries. Using the search button below, simply enter the individual’s name or other identifying information as noted, click search, and your search results will appear.
You will find a map, walking/driving directions, 360 degree view of the location and more.
The cemetery office limits a walk-up customer to 3 grave-site lookups. Please call or write the Cemetery Office to obtain the Section, Lot, and Grave numbers for your photo requests.
Search for a Cemetery Near You in Find a Grave MOBILE App
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Located in the eastern part of the city, at 4912 Leavenworth St., Holy Sepulchre is the oldest active Catholic Cemetery in Omaha.
The first recorded burial was June 6, 1873. In 2016, the 28-acre cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4912 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68106 |
| Telephone | 402-391-3711 |
| Fax | 402-391-0321 |
| Area | 28 acres |
| Gates | 8a.m. - 5p.m. (Standard Time - Winter); 8a.m. - 8p.m. (Daylight Savings - Summer) |
Summer: 8am- 7pm daily (April-September) Winter: 8am- 5pm daily (October-April).
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Ascension Garden provide a way to locate loved ones who are interred in the cemeteries. The search results include a map, walking/driving directions, 360 degree view of the location and more.
Holy Sepulcher in Orange, California
Holy Sepulcher is identified at 7845 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA 92869. The listed visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during standard time and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during daylight saving time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 7845 Santiago Canyon Road Orange, CA 92869 |
| Office hours | Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Sat: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; Sun: Closed |
| Visiting hours | Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ST; Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm DST |
Burial and memorial products listed for the Orange location
This is a general price list giving a range of prices for interment spaces, lawn crypts, memorials, vaults and urns provided by the Diocese of Orange Catholic Cemeteries. All interment spaces can accommodate up to two burials if the family so chooses. Additional costs of goods and services apply.
Prices include a one-time deposit to the fund for continuing care and maintenance and are subject to change without notice.
| Option | Description | Price starting at |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Ground Burial | Adult Ground Tier | $ 15,995 |
| Lawn Crypt | Double Lawn Crypts | N/A |
| Mausoleum | - | $ 7,000 |
| Cremation Niche | (1) or (2) Niche | $ 14,995 |
| Vault | Vault/ w marker | - |
Orange cemetery features
Beautifully maintained lawns offer a serene and meaningful resting place, surrounded by lush landscaping and the splendor of the Christ Cathedral.
Our Cremation Niches offer a peaceful and dignified way to preserve and honor the memory of a loved one. Set within beautifully maintained granite memorial walls, each niche provides a secure and lasting resting place for cremated remains.
Families can personalize the memorial with a plaque, flowers, photographs, and other meaningful tributes. Designed for quiet reflection and remembrance, our cremation niches provide a special place for family and friends to visit and celebrate a life well lived.
Our Family Estates provide families with a dedicated and meaningful space to honor multiple generations of loved ones. These thoughtfully designed memorial areas offer a peaceful setting where family members can be remembered together in one special location.
With elegant granite finishes and opportunities for personalized memorialization, Family Estates create a lasting family legacy and a place where future generations can return to reflect, remember, and celebrate those who came before them.
Important location distinction
The Southfield, Michigan cemetery, the Omaha, Nebraska cemetery, and the Orange, California cemetery are separate locations with different histories, acreage, facilities, office arrangements, and visiting hours.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield was started in 1928 and is situated on 350 acres. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha has a first recorded burial dated June 6, 1873 and occupies 28 acres. Holy Sepulcher in Orange is identified at 7845 Santiago Canyon Road and lists cemetery property, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and family estates.