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Who
can be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
As a religious cemetery, Catholic cemeteries are
an expression of faith and hope in the Resurrection.
A baptized Catholic has a right to be buried in
a Catholic cemetery. Non-Catholic family members,
persons with a connection to the Catholic community,
and other Christians with support from their ministers
may also be buried in the Catholic cemeteries.
Click here to read the
Christian Burial Policy.
Why should Catholics be
buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
It is only natural that those who share the same
faith in life will wish to carry on that sense
of community in death. When it comes to the issue
of death, the sensibilities and needs of Catholics
are unique and call for certain practices in the
handling and care of the remains of the deceased.
Therefore, in the blessed grounds of a Catholic
cemetery there are safeguards - mandated by the
Church's Canon Law - which guarantee permanence,
reverence and respect for the remains of the deceased.
Should I choose
a crypt or a grave?
Personal preference and/or family tradition influence
choices in this regard. Above ground entombment
in a crypt building is appealing, especially to
those people who aren't comfortable with traditional
below ground burial. Indoor mausoleum crypts are
conducive to visitation in inclement weather.
Are there advantages
to buying burial space before my family actually
needs it?
Yes. By making arrangements in advance, Catholic
families can avoid confusion at the time of bereavement
and assure themselves of burial and arrangements
in the location they desire, and at a price they
wish to pay. You will find our non-commissioned
counselors knowledgeable and sensitive to your
needs.
Should I buy space
for the entire family?
It has been our experience that generally, a husband
and wife buy space for themselves. Many families
decide to purchase adjoining plots to form a family
group. Family plots are also available and can
accommodate larger headstones. Crypts for full
size caskets and niches for cremated remains may
be purchased individually or in family groups.
Do I have to pay a
monthly maintenance fee?
No. Gate of Heaven and Calvary Catholic Cemetery
are endowment care cemeteries. A one-time endowment
care fee is charged at the time you purchase a
grave, crypt or niche. The money is placed in
a special trust fund, the proceeds of which are
used to cover future maintenance costs throughout
the cemetery.
How do I pay for my burial
arrangements?
There are a variety of payment options and terms
designed to give you the flexibility to remain
within your personal budget. Cash, check, MasterCard,
Visa, and American Express are honored for your
convenience. Terms may be arranged with a down
payment made at the time of a pre-need purchase,
followed by monthly payments with a minimal interest
fee. At the time of death, the burial arrangements
must be paid in full. Special terms are available
for persons in need.
If I move after purchasing,
can I get a refund?
Yes. Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of San
Jose will refund the amount you prepaid, minus
a nominal cancellation fee.
What kind of monument
can I purchase?
Monuments conform to the regulations that govern
different areas of the cemetery. These regulations
are not arbitrary, but are designed to both enhance
the care and overall beauty and character of each
section of the cemetery. Memorial benches are
available in various sections in the cemetery.
Is there any chance
my grave will be re-sold after a specified number
of years?
No. The purchaser has an exclusive and permanent
right of use through an easement conveyed by Catholic
Cemeteries. This right passes to direct blood
heirs immediately after the death of the recorded
owner, although the spouse has the first right
of burial. This applies to all graves, crypts
and niches in the cemetery. Written permission
of the heirs-at-law may be required for burial.
It is advisable to secure permission in advance
and place it on file in the cemetery office to
prevent unnecessary stress at the time when permission
is essential.
What is cremation?
Cremation is the reduction of the body of a deceased
person to recoverable bone fragments through a
process that combines intense heat and evaporation.
After cooling, the fragments are pulverized. These
fragments usually weigh 4 to 10 pounds.
What is the proper name
for these remains?
What are commonly called ashes are not ash, but
bone fragments. The proper terminology of the
fragments is "cremated remains of the body."
Do Catholic Cemeteries
accept cremated remains?
Yes, in 1963 the Catholic Church eliminated its
prohibition against cremation. Although cremation
represents a means of disposition preferred by
many, it is not the "final disposition" - burial
is. Human cremated remains are still the body
of the deceased - just in a different form. Thus,
cremated remains should be treated with the same
respect as the "full" body is treated prior to
cremation. They should be buried in a cemetery.
Honoring and respecting the deceased by keeping
their remains safe, undisturbed, and memorialized
is a time honored tradition. It is important to
everyone to be remembered. It is also important
for family members and future generations to visit
these graves - even if only once.
If I'm divorced and
remarried can I be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
Yes. For more information, or if you have additional
questions, please contact your parish priest.
Can Someone Who Committed
Suicide be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
Yes. It is recognized that those who die from
the act of suicide deserve understanding and compassion.
The deceased may have been suffering from a serious
psychological instability, or overwhelming fear
and confusion. Therefore, the church offers funeral
and burial rites for those who may have died as
a result of suicide. The American edition of the
Catholic ritual includes prayers for this specific
situation. These prayers evoke forgiveness for
the departed and consolation to their family.
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