Cemetery: Frequently Asked Questions



GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why should I choose to be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
For a Catholic, burial in a Catholic cemetery is a final act of faith, to one's belief in the resurrection of the body and everlasting life. The Catholic cemetery is a sacred place set aside by the Church for the burial of the faithful. The bodies of those buried there rest under the watchful eye of the local Bishop until the last day. The Catholic cemetery is an extension of the parish community where those who have worshipped together in life now rest together in peace, awaiting Christ's return in glory. Though the character and charism of a Catholic cemetery is different from that of commercial and municipal cemeteries, Catholics buried in non-Catholic cemeteries lie in ground, crypt or niche that was made sacred during the Rite of Committal.

Who can be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
Our Catholic Cemeteries welcome all those who have been baptized into the Roman Catholic Church, also in those Rites which are in communion with the Pope, and non-Catholic family members.



ABOUT GRAVES AND NICHES

How many burials may be placed in one grave or one niche?
At this time, only one full body may be interred in one grave in the Catholic Cemeteries of Central Florida. Contact cemetery management to learn about burying cremated remains in an urn vault in a grave with an interred full body. One columbarium niche may hold one or more urns of cremated remains depending upon its size and the cemetery’s rules.

Who controls the grave or niche after the death of the original purchaser?
The passing of control of Interment Rights may be described in the contract purchasing Interment Rights. If the party(ies) so named are not alive, then control to a “legally authorized person”, as defined by Florida Statute, devolves first to a surviving spouse, then to son(s) and/or daughter(s) of 18 years of age or older, to a parent(s), to a brother(s) and/or sister(s) who are 18 years of age or older, to a grandchild(ren) who are 18 years of age or older, to a grandparent(s), or to any person(s) in the next degree of kinship or, in the absence of any family, to the guardian of the original owner.

What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure or a building or an area in a structure or building that contains niches for the inurnment of cremated remains. A columbarium niche is an enclosed space for the placement of vessels containing cremated remains.

What is the process of approval for personal monuments?
Contact cemetery management prior to engaging the services of a licensed, professional monument establishment for their specific guidelines. The final purchaser-approved monument design and materials should be presented to the cemetery’s management for comment and approval prior to it being fabricated.



ABOUT CREMATION

What is the Catholic Guidance on Cremation?
Catholics acknowledge the body which has been washed in the waters of baptism and has been the vessel of the Holy Spirit is to be treated with great respect, and thereby prefers the full body to be presented for burial. Since the 1960s the Catholic Church has recognized cremation of the body may be chosen and desired under various circumstances. Cremated remains are always to be treated with the same respect and care that is given to a full body. (For more information, please refer to the Diocesan document "Cremation for Catholics in Florida")

Can the cremated remains be buried with just a simple blessing?
The funeral Mass for deceased Christians is an honorable ancient practice that should be observed. A simple blessing would not take its place. The cremated remains should be properly interred. A Priest or Deacon can be requested for the Committal Service.

I want cremation, but my spouse does not. Can we be buried together?
Yes. Many couples have different preferences regarding final arrangements, just as they may about other choices in life. Placing cremated remains and a full body burial in the same grave is known as Second Right of Interment; which means each burial is an independent Right of Interment, yet in the same space. Discuss these choices with cemetery management.



ABOUT COSTS

What other costs are associated with an in-ground full body burial?
Burial of a full body requires a casket in which the body is placed and an outer burial chamber or burial vault. The burial vault is required to maintain long term stability of the ground over and around the grave. The body of the deceased may be embalmed to slow its deterioration prior to burial. Refrigeration of the body may be a substitute for embalming. These matters should be discussed with a licensed funeral director.

What other costs are associated with an in-ground cremated remains burial?
Burial of cremated remains requires a burial vault. The burial vault is required to maintain long term stability of the ground over and around the grave. The cremated remains may be placed in the concrete vault in the ground in any type of container that you wish, as long as it fits inside the vault. The inside dimensions of a standard cremation vault are approximately 12”x12’x10” high. Larger sizes are available. For a cremation burial, the funeral home of your choice can include in their services the cost of a cremation vault or you can make arrangements through our Cemetery staff for a cremation vault. Only Atlas Concrete products is authorized to open and close graves, including the vault, in All Souls Catholic Cemetery. If you request the funeral home to be involved in the burial of cremated remains, they will coordinate with Cemetery staff and the vault company for burials. If you choose not to involve the funeral home with a cremation burial, Cemetery staff will coordinate with the family and the vault company for the burial.

Do I have to pay for the burial lots or niches in full at the time of purchase?
After paying the required down payment, the cemetery may offer a payment plan of monthly installments over a limited number of months. Payment in full is required before exercising/using any Interment Right.

What is perpetual care and do I have to pay perpetual care or maintenance in addition to the cost of my cemetery space?
A portion of the purchase price of the Interment Right is contributed to an endowment care fund, it is not a separate or additional cost to you. Income from that fund is used to provide regular care and maintenance at the cemetery for the time when the cemetery no longer sells Interment Rights. Regular care and maintenance can include cutting grass, re-grading of graves, planting and caring for trees, and maintaining water supply systems, roads, drainage, etc.



ABOUT LEGAL MATTERS

Do I get a deed to the grave or niche?
When you purchase Interment Rights in a grave or niche, you are purchasing the perpetual right to use the grave or niche, not an ownership of the grave or niche. The grave or niche remains the property and responsibility of the cemetery. Your contract documents are your proof of the Rights you hold.

If I choose a grave or niche now, what assurances do I have that I actually will get that specific space when I die?
Cemeteries are required to keep accurate records describing the ownership of Interment Rights, or the right to use a burial space. These include numbering systems that ensure no space is assigned to more than one owner, except as specified by the purchaser.