CemeteryWise

The Catholic section at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery

One of Australia's oldest and largest Catholic cemeteries (from 1867); home to the Sacred Heart Chapel and Australia's only Catholic crematorium.

Community content under review for accuracy

Location
The Catholic grounds of the Rookwood Necropolis
Established
1867
Monument types
Monumental, lawn and mausoleum

What to know

Burial customs
A Funeral Mass is followed by committal at the graveside, where the grave is blessed and prayers are offered. Burial is traditional; cremation is permitted, with ashes interred rather than scattered.
The headstone
Monuments commonly bear a cross and Christian imagery, in upright monumental or lawn form; there is no fixed unveiling timing.
Visiting
Flowers and candles are common; families visit on anniversaries and All Souls' Day (2 November), praying for the deceased.
Inscriptions
Usually English, often 'In Loving Memory' or 'Rest in Peace', frequently with a cross.

Headstone rules in this section

Catholic monuments including crosses and religious imagery; follows Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria rules and Catholic tradition.

More about Catholic burials in Sydney →

Frequently asked

Where is the Catholic section at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery?

The Catholic grounds of the Rookwood Necropolis

What are the headstone rules in this section?

Catholic monuments including crosses and religious imagery; follows Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria rules and Catholic tradition.

What are the visiting customs?

Flowers and candles are common; families visit on anniversaries and All Souls' Day (2 November), praying for the deceased.

Other sections at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery
CroatianUkrainianPolishMaroniteCopticHungarianVietnameseLithuanianSlovenian