The Catholic Cemeteries offer at no charge, to anyone, of any faith, who has cremated remains at home or is considering scattering, the dignified committal of the remains at any of our Cemeteries.
Why We Offer This Program
The Church teaches that the cremated remains of the body be buried or entombed and receive the “Rite of Committal.” With the majority of the population choosing cremation, the tradition of utilizing a cemetery for interment has become an option to many. Scattering the remains, keeping them at home, or dividing them among various family members is not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. As a result, each of the diocesan cemeteries has made selected a crypt or grave for the placement of cremated remains.
A couple of key statistics to share:
- Over 50% of Catholics in California choose cremation
- Only 1 in 3 of those being cremated choose to place the remains in a cemetery
- Scattering and keeping remains at home are not recommended forms of disposition by the Catholic Church
The majority of those who do not place the remains take them home creating a problem for future generations to deal with
What The Program Includes
- Committal Service: Cremated remains brought to the Cemeteries will be given the Rite of Committal. Each cemetery has an employee trained in conducting the Committal in cases where no other minister is available. The Committal Service with take place at the Cenotaph wall adjacent to the Crypt of the Holy Angels. This provides for a sacred place for the Committal especially in cases where families have not conducted Vigil or Funeral services.
- Complimentary Placement: They will be entombed in the Crypt of the Holy Angels community crypt to provide a recognized place for visiting the remains of the deceased. We recognize the importance of recording the committal so a Burial Permit will be re-issued at no charge, with the added benefit for future genealogy searches.
The Crypt of the Holy Angels has a specially designed crypt shutter inscribed as follows:
Crypt of the Holy Angels
(Inscription of an Angel kneeling in front of a cross)
For Your Faithful People O Lord
Life Has Changed Not Ended
Optional Cenotaph Memorialization
While the Complimentary Placement does not include memorialization, a Cenotaph is provided in the committal area to memorialize the deceased for an additional $250 tax deductible fee. The Cenotaph is a large plaque with individual crystal tiles allowing for the personal inscription of the name of the deceased along with year of birth and death. The Cenotaph fee covers the cost of the Cenotaph and the inscription charges incurred by the Cemeteries. The Cenotaph additionally is available for those who wish to memorialize a loved one who is not buried at the Cemetery, but desires a place to gather in remembrance.
