Rookwood Catholic Cemetery has been serving the Catholic community since 1867. The historic cemetery reflects the multi-cultural history of Sydney with grand sandstone headstones of early settlers, cultural community lawns through to contemporary garden niches.
The cemetery is home to the picturesque St Michael the Archangel Chapel through to the modern Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel with Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium. The grounds are continually renewed with tranquil landscaping and there are outdoor religious artworks from the granite sculptures at the Way of the Cross to the bronze statues throughout the cemetery’s crypt collection.
Rookwood Catholic Cemetery offers everything you need for your funeral, including a chapel, crematorium, condolence rooms and columbarium for placement of cremated remains.
Our chapels each hold unique appeal, depending on your personal style and the size of your gathering and are beautifully decorated with inspiring art and statues.
Take a self-guided tour which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the famous people, Sydney culture and war history located in our wonderful cemetery.
The tour begins at the Catholic Heritage Centre, and takes approximately 45-60 mins. Located within the centre are large poster displays and a touchscreen which offers a deceased search together with a virtual tour of the Catholic Historical Walk.
The Catholic Heritage Centre is open weekdays from 8:30am to 3:00pm and outside these times can be accessed by special arrangement through the Friends of Rookwood. Visit www.friendsofrookwoodinc.org.au
The tours are ideal for Probus, Rotary, Car Clubs, Seniors Groups etc. and all age groups are welcome.
Rookwood Catholic Cemetery offers three types of burial options depending on your preference, including Lawn Graves, Monumental Lawns, and Monumental Section Graves.
Burial Lawns are also grouped by community or cultural groups or families can choose a crypt in Rookwood’s landscaped grounds or within the inspiring and modern Mausoleum of the Resurrection.
Special Sections have also been dedicated to children including cremated memorials in the Holy Innocents Crypts.
There are many options for preserving memories and creating a lasting memorial for future visits at Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria at Rookwood, including cremation memorial wall areas and different styles of gardens.
Our cemetery memorials are purchased in perpetuity (forever). It is a wonderful place to connect with the memory of your family member, and as a dedicated public space it means friends and future generations can visit. There is no danger of the cemetery being redeveloped, as is the case with memorialisation at home or in a park.
Another option to consider is the interment of ashes into family graves.
Our 5 chapels each hold unique appeal, depending on your personal style and the size of your gathering and are beautifully decorated with inspiring art and statues.
Each service is facilitated by a Chapel Co-ordinator, who works together with your funeral director to ensure that the service is conducted according to your wishes. We provide everything you’ll need with most chapels offering audio and PowerPoint facilities.
We have 2 lounges that are available to all, whether or not you have used our burial or cremation services. They can accommodate small and large groups and are located within walking distance. Catering is available through our specialists Celeste Catering.
Celeste Catering has 28-years’ experience in catering for bereaved families and their guests – providing a caring and professional service that supports each family’s values, culture and beliefs.
As the exclusive caterer at many of Australia’s largest cemeteries, we consider it an honour to assist in celebrating the life of your loved one.
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