Who can be buried in a Catholic cemetery?

For Catholics, burial in a Catholic cemetery is a baptismal right; for those who do not possess this right, it is a privilege.  Catholic cemeteries are intended for the interment of Catholics, catechumens and members of their families who have this right to Christian burial according to the rules of the Roman Catholic Church. 

 

My family just bought burial space at your cemetery.  Who can be interred in this space?

The "certificate of the right of interment" is the governing cemetery document.  If the owner wishes to allow others to be interred, a designation of interment form must be filed with the cemetery office.

 

My family member owns space but is now deceased.  What is the succession of ownership?

When space in an existing lot is available but a designation of interment form has not been filed with the appropriate cemetery, the certificate-holder is deceased and has not specially passed the certificate rights through a will, a legal order of succession is followed.  The succession begins with the surviving spouse and the owner's children; in absence of both, then to the owner's parents.  If no parents are living, then the succession passes to the owner's brothers and sisters equally, then to the owner's closest next of kin.  Further detail is found in the official cemetery Rules and Regulations.

 

What is an "interment space"?

Interment space can either be a crypt, niche or ground burial.

 

Can cremated remains be buried in a grave or only in a mausoleum?

Yes, cremated remains can be buried in an in-ground grave with the following conditions.  The cremated remains must be in a marbelite urn and there must be remaining space in the grave.  The number of available certificate rights in the particular space is determined by the space availability, memorialization capability and the discretion of the director of cemeteries.  For more information about marbelite urns, please consult your funeral director. 

 

Who may place or change a monument or inscription on a crypt/niche front?

The Rules and Regulations define who has the authority or legal right to place or alter a monument as the certificate holder or next of kin.  Any alternations made to a monument require prior approval and authorization from the appropriate cemetery office. 

 

My monument dealer told me there is a "foundation fee" payable to the cemetery.  What is a foundation fee?

Foundations are required to place a monument.  These foundations ensure that the monuments are placed at the proper level and are there to maintain safety.  Foundation fees are not included in the cost of the burial sites and are collected by cemetery management prior to acceptance or alteration of monuments.

 

Who is responsible for the headstone and other memorials?

Monuments and memorials remain the property and responsibility of the purchaser.  The cemetery must always have a current contact name and address as services such as re-sealing granite/marble components may be required.