Let’s face it everyone will have one. A final resting place, that is. The questions you should be asking are where is it? Can it be found in the future should a family member want to do so? Is the final resting place protected? Is it hallowed ground? Will the place endure?
Most of us know exactly where our great grandparents are “resting”. It’s in a cemetery somewhere. Even when the grave is half a continent away and we never get there to put flowers on the grave, we know where they are. Will our grandchildren know where we rest?
For those who would like to be buried in a cemetery
- Fear not, there are spaces available. Check with a Family Service Advisor at your Catholic cemetery for advice.
- Worried about the environment? Again, ask your Family Service Advisor about green and greenish burial options.
- Concerned about cost? Consider the resale market. Many family’s plans change. Families may resell cemetery plots they will not use.
- If you want to sell your cemetery grave, crypt or niche, you can hire a broker if you don’t want to handle the issue yourself. Numerous companies offer brokerage service that will manage the sale for you.
For those who plan to donate their body to science
- Know that in most cases the cremated remains (commonly known as ashes) will be returned to the family at some point and will require a plan for the final resting place.
- Always have a back-up plan just in case the body is not accepted for donation.
- Talk to your funeral director about how to put together a memorial service to take place right after death, since it may be months or even years before cremated remains (aka ashes) are returned to the family.
For those who will be cremated
- Consider your many options carefully. You may want to discuss them with a Family Service Advisor at your cemetery or a funeral director. There may be final resting options you are not aware of.
- The scattering of human cremated remains is not allowed by the Catholic Church in keeping with Christ’s burial. The Catholic Church would instead advocate for a permanent final resting place in a cremation grave, niche or crypt.
- Be aware that final resting place means it must endure for generations to come. A Catholic Cemetery will never be sold or moved. It endures forever.
- Know that having a viable plan for the final resting place is the most often overlooked step for those who cremate. Not addressing this issue creates a burden for someone in the family as time passes, as well as opening the possibility of human cremated remains being treated with less dignity than they deserve.