About Us

Serving Rochester with Faith and Compassion Since 1874

Calvary Cemetery has stood as a sacred landmark in Rochester, MN for over 150 years. Established as Saint John’s Cemetery in 1874 and renamed Calvary Cemetery Association in 1940, our mission has remained constant: to provide a reverent final resting place grounded in Catholic faith.

Thousands have been laid to rest here—including priests, religious sisters, and generations of families—each remembered with dignity and grace.

Our Mission

At Calvary Cemetery, we uphold the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life, the promise of resurrection, and the Communion of Saints. Our role is both pastoral and practical—providing guidance during times of loss and offering pre-planning support rooted in faith.

We treat every family with compassion, ensuring that each burial reflects the spiritual values and traditions of the Church.

Led by the Catholic Community

Calvary Cemetery is governed by a Board of Directors representing each Catholic parish in Rochester. This structure ensures our operations reflect Church teachings and meet the spiritual needs of the broader Catholic community.

Governance is entrusted to a Board of Directors made up of representatives from each Catholic parish in Rochester. This ensures that our practices remain consistent with the teachings of the Church and responsive to the needs of our community.

Our Parish Community

Calvary Cemetery is proud to serve and be supported by Rochester’s vibrant Catholic parishes:

Their leadership helps ensure our cemetery continues to reflect Catholic values and meet the spiritual needs of our shared community.