As Catholics we entrust the remains of our deceased loved ones to a Catholic cemetery while they await the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life. Calvary Cemetery is the sacred burial place for St. Mary’s parishioners. Its grounds have been blessed and consecrated for burial of the faithful departed. The cemetery is set on 24.4 acres, of which approximately half is still being developed. It is located on Jackson Street about one mile west of St. Mary Church. There are two cemeteries at this location. Oakland Cemetery is on the north side of Jackson, and Calvary is on the south side.
The cemetery includes a special section (“Angel land”) for burial of infants and small children. A Columbarium was added in 1998 which provides interment space and memorialization for up to 96 cremation urns. Foundations are in place for two additional Columbariums in the same area.
Those who hold deeds in the cemetery pay for future maintenance of the gravesites when they purchase burial rights. A trust fund with the Rockford Diocese ensures the continued care of the cemetery grounds into perpetuity.
The cemetery is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Administration is handled from the St. Mary’s Parish Office at 312 Lincoln Avenue in Woodstock. The office is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Outdoor Liturgies are celebrated each year at the cemetery pavilion on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.