Parish Cemetery Resources
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Parish Cemetery Resources
The Office of Cemeteries provides guidance, policies, and resources for parish-administered cemeteries across the Diocese of Madison. Our role is to assist pastors and parish staff in ensuring that Catholic cemeteries remain places of dignity, reverence, and hope in the Resurrection. From burial procedures and perpetual care to compliance, record-keeping, and pastoral support for grieving families, the Office of Cemeteries is here to serve as a resource for your parish.
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Contact Us
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Damian Lenshekdamian.lenshekmadisondiocese.orgDirector of Cemeteries; Building & Construction Assistant
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Parish Cemetery Resources
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Parish Cemetery Seminars
- 2024 Parish Cemetery Seminar
- 2023 Parish Cemetery Seminar
- 2022 Parish Cemetery Seminar
- 2021 Parish Cemetery Seminar
- 2020 Parish Cemetery Seminar
- All Seminar Handouts
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The annual Parish Cemetery Seminar addresses common questions received from parish cemeteries in the Diocese of Madison. This is a re-presentation of the in-person seminar that was held on Sept 24, 2024.
2024 Seminar Handout
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Held at the offices of the Diocese of Madison, for those responsible for parish cemeteries throughout the diocese. Opening remarks by Bishop Hying, presentation by Damian Lenshek, Director of Cemeteries.
2021 Seminar Handout
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Contact Us
If you would like to discuss issues related to cemetery management, call Damian Lenshek, Director of Cemeteries, at 608-821-3055 or email him at [email protected].
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Grave ThoughtsDirector's Blog
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February 27
A profile of one participant in the Lay Them to Rest free committal program.Read More -
May 23When should you make your arrangements at the cemetery? The answer is different for each person. Here is one story.Read More
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May 25
In March 2023 the USCCB Committee on Doctrine responded to a question that has been popping up here and there about two new ways of treating human remains. One of these ways, alkaline hydrolysis, dissolves the flesh and flushes the liquid residue down the sewer, allowing bones to be pulverized as with cremation. The other, composting results in a cubic yard of dirt that bears no resemblance to a body, so there is nothing to bury. Neither alkaline hydrolysis nor composting respect the body in the way called for by the Catholic faith, according to the bishops. More and more states may legalize these practices – often touted as “green” – but Catholics should not take part in them.Read More -
January 1
Before he died, Bishop Robert Morlino asked Msgr. James Bartylla to preach his funeral homily. He gave these brief instructions: “Don’t canonize me!” No doubt this guidance was inspired by a profound faith as well as realistic self-knowledge, but maybe even more so by a familiarity with current tendencies at funerals.Read More
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