Bishop Emeritus Letter

December 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

On May 5, 2005, it was my pleasure to consecrate the first Catholic Cemetery in the San Bernardino Diocese, Our Lady Queen of Peace, All Souls Mausoleum and Chapel. Within months of consecrating Our Lady Queen of Peace, our dream of a first class facility became a reality. In July of 2006, we buried our first faithful parishioner and currently more than 400 of our faithful have been laid to rest. 

Our Lady Queen of Peace is a very beautiful cemetery and is centrally located in the city of Colton, making it easily accessible to families in the Inland Empire. All Souls Mausoleum is available to celebrate funeral liturgies immediately prior to the committal service. 

Representatives from the Office of Catholic Cemeteries have visited most of the parishes in the general area of the diocese that would be served by Our Lady Queen of Peace. They have advised many of our parishioners of the benefits of advanced planning. This program is ongoing and to date 7500 families have seen the benefit of pre-planning. 

The response by the Catholic faithful of our diocese and the success of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in such a short period of time demonstrates the tremendous need this ministry serves. Thank you for supporting this wonderful sacred facility, a facility dedicated to the Catholic dignity of life. 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes 

Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of San Bernardino