BURIAL OPTIONS

 
MEMORIALIZATION OPTIONS
 
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BURIAL OPTIONS

1. Graves

Interment in a grave remains the most widely used form of burial. Graves are generally of two types, either permitting a lawn level marker, or permitting a raised family monument. All cemeteries are "zoned" for aesthetic, operational and maintenance reasons. When a family monument lot is chosen, the minimum sized lot is four graves. Lawn level marker graves which are located either in traditional sections with family monuments, or in special religious feature sections that are exclusively marker graves, are the most commonly selected graves. Monument type graves are more expensive since they require more space. Future care of all graves is included in the purchase price. 

2. Shared Family Memorials (Upright Monument)

This feature consists of either two or four graves with a large, above ground monument that was designed and erected by the cemetery with a specific theme in mind. Shared Family Memorials are available in specific locations in most cemeteries. A Package Plan may also be added to this type of grave selection. 

3. Crypts/Niches (Above-Ground Burial)

Crypts/Niches are available for above ground burial either in interior or exterior settings. The first mausoleum was built in 353 BC for King Mausolus, from whose name the word "mausoleum" was derived. Scripture tells us, that Joseph of Arimathea "went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He then took it down, wrapped it in a shroud and put him in a tomb which was hewn in stone in which no one had yet been laid" (Luke 23:52-54). Throughout the Church's history, mausoleum-style entombment has been utilized. Early Christians were buried in the catacombs. In older churchyard cemeteries private mausoleums can be found, but because of their costs they were available only to the affluent.
Today, Community Garden Crypt facilities make above ground burial affordable for persons who have a preference for this type of burial. Depending on the type of memorial selected for ground burial or the type of outer burial container purchased, crypt burial can often be comparable in cost to grave burial.

4. Package Plans (All cemetery costs in a single price)

For those who prefer convenience and savings, and wish to customize their cemetery needs, the Catholic Cemeteries offer the Optional Complete Service (OCS) Plan. Under one arrangement, all of the following can be added to any grave purchased.

The type of grave selected and the options chosen will determine the final cost of your Package Plan. Instead of a series of relatively large expenses, often purchased at the time of death, these items can be arranged for now on low monthly payments with no interest or carrying charges.

5. Lot Holder Rights

Graves and crypts are conveyed by an Easement which gives the purchaser, not direct ownership, but an exclusive and permanent right of use. Upon the death of the purchaser, ownership rights automatically descend to direct blood heirs equally unless the rights are specifically assigned to a particular heir. The spouse of the original purchaser always has a dower right of burial ahead of other heirs. Where a non-blood heir is to be buried, permission of other blood heirs is required, and families are encouraged to obtain these permissions in advance of need and place them on file at the cemetery. Removals from graves or crypts may be made only with the permission of the purchaser of the holding or his / her heirs, and the nearest relation(s) of the person to be removed.

6. Return and Exchange Policy

Any grave or crypt purchased from the Catholic Cemeteries, may be exchanged or returned. The return of monument lots and crypts is subject to some restrictions and each case must be reviewed before a refund is given. This policy protects families if conditions change or especially if there is a relocation. Any grave and / or crypt may be exchanged for graves or crypts in another section, or in another Catholic Cemetery in the Archdiocese. The credit for exchanging graves or crypts is determined by the purchase price of the new unit selected, or the current price of the unit being exchanged. In any exchange, the credit given will never be less than the original purchase price. Any refund for unused graves/crypts is based on the original purchase price.