Committal Options: Which type of committal is right for you?
At the Catholic Cemeteries, we offer a variety of options for both full casket or cremation burials. Our Family Services Counselors can help you decide which ones are best for you.
Traditional In-Ground
Interment in a grave remains the most widely used form of burial. Graves are generally of two types, either permitting a lawn level (flat) marker, or permitting a raised family monument. All cemeteries are "zoned" for aesthetic, operational and maintenance reasons. Traditional In-ground double-depth burial consists of one space above the other. When a family monument lot is chosen, the minimum sized lot is four graves. Lawn level 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.
Mausoleum (Above Ground)
Crypts 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.
Cremation
In 1963 the Catholic Church eliminated its prohibition against cremation. Cremation represents a means of disposition preferred by many Catholics. It is important to remember that cremated remains are still the body of the deceased, just in a different form. For this reason they should be treated with the same respect as the full body of the departed. Honoring and respecting the deceased by keeping their remains safe, undisturbed and in a place where family members can visit to pay their respects generations later represents a critical factor for most families.
Catholic Cemeteries provides many options for the burial and memorialization of cremated remains:
- In ground burial in cremation gardens. This option provides for the cremated remains to be placed in a protective and commemorative urn and buried with the same ritual as a traditional burial.
- Outdoor and Indoor Marble or Granite niches are available for those who prefer placement above the ground. These beautiful niches provide attractive, protected spaces with memorialization.
- Glass Front Niches available in the Mausoleums to allow for a personal touch. Many choose to place a photo or other personal items in the niche with the urn.
- Cremated remains may also be placed in an existing family grave or crypt when space and burial rights allow.
Military Burial
Veteran Cemeteries
Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans who have met minimum active-duty requirements and have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The closest national cemetery with currently with space available is in Gustine, California (San Joaquin County).
For this reason, Gate of Heaven Cemetery has a special section reserved only for Veterans of the United States military and their spouses. The Veteran's Section consists of traditional in-ground burial as well as garden niches for cremated remains.
Military Services
As of January 1, 2000 all eligible veterans, to include military retirees, are entitled to military funeral honors. At a minimum, the funeral honors ceremony will consist of the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. At least two uniformed military personnel, in addition to a bugler, if available, shall perform the ceremony. If a bugler is not available, a high-quality CD will be used. One of the uniformed military personnel will be from the deceased veteran's parent military service and will present the flag to the next of kin.
The Military Services may provide additional elements of honors and may use additional unformed military personnel or other authorized providers, such as members of a veterans organization, to augment the Funeral Honors Detail.
The next of kin or appropriate individual must request the funeral honors, they are not provided automatically. Department of Defense(DoD) policy calls for the funeral directors, rather than the next of kin, to contact the military. This toll free number 1-877-MIL-HONR (645-4667) has been set up for funeral directors to coordinate the ceremonies. DoD has established a Web site which explains the funeral honors process: http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.
Military Headstones
The VA furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. For all deaths occurring before December 27, 2001, the VA may provide a headstone or marker only for graves that are not marked with a private headstone.
Requests for headstones or markers are made using VA Form 40-1330, Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veterans' Cemetery.
Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a Government-provided headstone or marker.
Flat markers in granite, and bronze, and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.
Additional information on military burials can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Website at www.va.gov
PRICING
Since burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy, our primary purpose is to serve the Catholic community. We strive to bring the faithful the most fair and affordable pricing in the area, while also offering a variety of committal options. We offer affordable pricing with flexible payment plans to meet your needs. Our price ranges are based on committal type, location, and our development costs. For more pricing information, please check out the specific cemetery locations:
How do you want to be remembered?
Learn about different burial options.
Do you have questions about end-of-life or bereavement?
What people are saying about us
"In the last 40 years, we have buried 8 family members at Calvary so we are familiar with the cemetery. We plan to be buried there too. Hopefully our family will have the opportunity to participate in celebrating our lives just as we did these last two days."
- Ofelia and Mauro Valcazar
(on the cemetery's 125th Anniversary celebration)
