CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

Who should be buried in a Catholic cemetery?

Those who believe in Christ and those who wish to share in the belief in resurrection and life after death. Burial in a Catholic cemetery is an affirmation of Christian faith, a statement of belief in Christ's words - I am the Resurrection and the Life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25). 

Must a Catholic be buried in a Catholic cemetery?

The normal and expected situation is to bury a Catholic in a Catholic cemetery. However, a Catholic may be buried in another cemetery, depending on circumstances.

Why should I be buried in a Catholic cemetery?

Believers in Jesus Christ form a community of disciples founded on a shared faith in the Resurrection. A Catholic cemetery continues that community ...even in death. Here all await the Lord's call to a new life.

The Catholic Church brings its own traditions, beliefs and sensibilities to the reality of death. Such customs can be fully expressed in our Catholic Cemeteries. These are places appropriate for prayer and liturgy, visitation and remembrance. Sacred art and holy shrines strengthen our faith in the Resurrection. The beauty of these holy grounds ministers comfort and peace.

The five Catholic Cemeteries in Edmonton are owned and operated by the Archdiocese on behalf of the Catholic parishes. We exercise an uninterrupted ministry of consolation, guided by the universal Roman Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Edmonton and the needs, of those we serve. Our non-profit, self-sustaining operation is based on guiding principles and deeply held beliefs assuring permanence, reverence and respect for the deceased and support for the living.

We support a variety of spiritual services and ministries in parishes and offer charitable burial assistance through various agencies. We thus express our mission and philosophy while learning more about the delicate balance between ministry and business.

Are Catholics still required to be buried in Catholic cemeteries, or can they be buried anywhere since the grave is blessed at the time of the burial?

The Church now allows Catholics to be buried in secular cemeteries, when distance or unavailability of a consecrated Catholic cemetery would create a hardship for the family.

It is still strongly recommended and preferred that, wherever possible, the Bishop make available Catholic cemeteries for the use of the Faithful.

In the Archdiocese of Edmonton we are fortunate to have five diocesan cemetery properties (Holy Cross, St. Albert, St. Anthony, St. Joachim and Our Lady of Peace) which operate on a cost-recovery basis and therefore offer significant cost benefits to parishioners. Also, there are well over 100 parish cemeteries located in small towns and rural areas in central Alberta.

Are all cemeteries sacred ground?

All cemeteries and burial places are meant to be places of reverence.  The Catholic cemetery is considered an extension of the parish church, and like a parish church, is solemnly blessed or “consecrated” by the Bishop.  A catholic cemetery is to be a prayerful place, a permanent memorial for those we have lost; a place where special celebrations are held through out the year.  Monthly memorial Masses and an annual Celebration of Life Mass are held in remembrance of those who have died.

Should I choose a crypt, a niche or a grave?

In-ground burial in a grave has been the traditional choice for many years.

Above-ground burial in a crypt or niche has become a recent preference in our Cemeteries over the last 15 years since the opening of the Holy Cross Mausoleum.

Personal preference, family tradition, cemetery location and factors related to faith, economics or even ecology can guide such a choice.

To help make this choice clearer we will provide cost comparisons with full disclosure of our prices, products & services.

What is a vault? Is it Required?

A concrete liner or upgraded vault is a box that the casket is placed in and sealed.  A concrete liner is the most commonly used outer container but families may upgrade this to a stronger decorative vault for the protection of the casket.  A liner or vault is a requirement for burial of a casket in the cemeteries.

How do I purchase a grave memorial?

Memorials, both traditional and lawn level are offered at both our north and south offices. A display of granite and bronze markers and brochures on the various choices are there for your information.  After choosing the type of memorialization, bronze or granite, the size and discussing design options, we can provide a computer-generated proposal drawing as part of the contract work. In most instances a black-and-white rendering of the finished design for the granite is available to the purchaser.  The purchaser approves the design and wording for the completeness and accuracybefore the marker or memorial is manufactured.

We encourage full payment, but also have provisions for a substantial down payment at signing with complete payment upon delivery.  All markers and monuments are installed by the Cemetery staff and this installation amount is included in the cost of the memorialization.

Can I change my mind after signing a purchase contract?

Yes. Within the first 30 days of an agreement for burial space, changes are quite easily made or a full principle refund may be issued, provided no burial space has been used.

After this initial 30 days, modifications are possible under defined conditions. In all cases, the business policies of Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries subscribe to fairness and include the utmost consideration for our Christian faithful.

What is a full facility cemetery?

Full facility Catholic cemeteries offer a complete range of choices for families.  Our Lady of Peace and Holy Cross Cemeteries are full facility cemeteries.  Full facility cemeteries offer:

- larger sites with room for expansion
- have shrine areas and special features
- spaces for casket and cremains burial, individual and shared
- mausoleums at Holy Cross that inter cremains in niches and caskets in crypts.
- columbarium at Our Lady of Peace that inter cremains in niches, inside and outside facilities
- shared services on Mother’s and Father’s day, and other special times of the year
- a full time office with a caring, compassionate staff on site year round
- a large selection of bronze and granite memorialization and cremation urns and vaults

What is an historical cemetery?

As their name implies historical cemeteries are the older cemeteries, St. Albert, St Joachim and St. Anthony.  These cemeteries are often in the center of residential areas and have:

- few if any spaces left for sale and no room to expand
- mature trees and shrubbery but no large central features or design elements
- no offices or mausoleum on site
- no cemetery records are kept on site
- appeal to families who have generations buried in the older cemetery who would like to arrange for burial with those family members. 

I like the idea of above-ground entombment but I don't plan to be cremated. Is there space in the Mausoleum at Holy Cross for casket burial?

Absolutely. The Mausoleum walls themselves are steel-reinforced concrete crypts suitable for the entombment of one or two crypts in a sealed unit with granite or marble "face" for the inscription.

Crypt entombment is a very old Christian tradition, dating back to the earliest days of the Church, when the bodies of believers were entombed in crypts which we know as the Catacombs. Frequently the Eucharist was celebrated in the midst of those crypts, visibly illustrating the concept of the "communion of saints".

Later on, churches were built above those early entombment sites and, eventually, the adjacent churchyard became the place of burial. Now, especially in large urban centres, the Catholic cemetery must be located at a greater distance from the parish church, but the connection is still just as real and important.

What is a mausoleum?

A mausoleum is a building containing crypt spaces for caskets and niche spaces for cremated remains.

This structure is more than a building,  It is a sacred space, that serves the faithful and witnesses the hope we share in the resurrection.  It is a place where the signs and symbols of our Catholic faith are displayed with pride and reverence.  It is an appropriate place for gathering in ritual prayer and a fitting place for private meditation.

Mausoleums are highly engineered buildings constructed to last for centuries.  Plans are drawn up and construction monitored by architects and engineers.

How do I make a purchase?

The Catholic Cemeteries formalize purchases with contracts and supporting paperwork for:
- the purchase of burial space (graves, crypts or niches)
- the purchase of grave memorials (monuments and markers, in granite or bronze)

These contracts formally and legally define:
- what is purchased from the Cemeteries
- who made the purchase, who is the owner, who is the user of the purchase
- the exact burial location
- the cost of the purchase
- the time frame for payment of the purchase

Thereby, the duties, expectations and obligations of both parties are clearly defined and copies of all information is kept at the cemeteries offices for future reference.

A down payment is required at the signing of a purchase contract. We take cash, checks, credit and debit cards. We encourage complete payment at the time of signing but for most contracts financing is available.

Who helps me write a purchase contract?

A Family Service Advisor, who is professional, competent and knowledgeable, meets with those interested in making a purchase.  They will complete all necessary paperwork and offer all the necessary information and support materials.  Depending on the type of cemetery, all pricing is consistent at all of ourCemeteries.

If I move after purchasing, can I get a refund?

Yes.  The cemeteries will refund the amount you paid or seventy five percent of today’s cost, which ever amount is greater.  There is a nominal administration fee to cancel the spaces.

Do I actually own the burial space?

No. These are Sacred Burial Grounds. Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries are not divided into real estate. A purchaser is acquiring rights to burial space – easement rights- assuming complete control over all immediate and future burial decisions.

The space is continuously owned and maintained by Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries, providing firm, long-term stability. Contracts, supporting paperwork and policy establish ownership and control of these rights, even through changing generations of family.

Can I sell my burial space on the open market?

Yes but Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries does purchase these spaces back at the cost of the original purchase or at seventy-five percent of today’s value, whichever is greater.   If the spaces are sold by private sale, Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries does not recognize the sale of burial rights between the private parties until the sale is properly recorded at the cemetery office.

Burial rights may be transferred to another person, usually a family member in the same manner of recording at the cemetery office. The documentation must be signed by the owner and witnessed by cemetery personnel.

For all transfers a nominal administration fee will be charged and must be paid upon acceptance of the Transfer Agreement at the office.

Do I have to pay a monthly maintenance fee?

No, the cemeteries are cared for through an endowment care fund.  A one-time future care fee is charged at the time you purchase a grave, crypt or niche.  This fee is part of the quoted space fee, not an additional fee.  It is held in a special fund , the proceeds of which are used to cover maintenance costs throughout the cemetery.

Is there any chance my burial space will be re-sold by the cemetery?

No. The Catholic Cemeteries grant an owner future rights for burial. At this time the space is never reclaimed and resold, if fully paid.  The purchaser has an exclusive and permanent right of use though the easement.  This right is passed on to the estate after death of the recorded owner, although the spouse has the first right of burial.

If burial is planned for a space owned by another or an estate, it is advisable to secure permission in advance and have the permission added to the cemetery records to prevent unnecessary stress at the time when the permission is used.

How do I control who will be buried in my burial space?

For graves, the owner has exclusive and permanent right of use through the Purchase Invoice.   Beyond the owner's spouse, who has full control and the first right of burial, this right passes to the estate and the direct blood heirs immediately after the death of the original owner. A married couple is considered a joint owner.

Written permission of the heirs may be required for burial. Beyond children, it is often very difficult to establish control and permission. Therefore, we strongly encourage all owners of burial rights to complete a Permission to Bury  Form to make official burial assignments prior to their death. This will prevent unnecessary stress at the time when permission is essential. The document can be easily amended if new circumstances arise.

For niches and crypts, the right of burial is defined in the contract and can only be amended by the original owners during their lifetimes.

What mandatory costs are involved in purchasing and using cemetery property?

For a casket burial there are three components that are mandatory – the cost of the grave, which includes an amount put aside for the future care of the grave and the cemetery , the cost of the opening and closing of that grave and finally the cost of the liner or vault which is used to protect a casket in all ground burials.  

In a niche or crypt in the Mausoleum, the package cost includes all  components necessary for regular  burial.

What optional costs can be involved in purchasing and using cemetery property?

The memorial or marker is an optional cost.  A memorial in granite or bronze can be set at a grave, according to cemetery regulations. Other memorialization opportunities include, but are not limited to, religious plaques or symbols, emblems, vases with floral arrangements, living memorials, benches, photo ceramics and Eternal Lights. These options may be chosen at the time of the initial burial rights agreement or anytime afterward. Choices may be restricted by grave, crypt or niche location.

Other optional costs include:
- an overtime surcharge for Saturday burial or on certain holidays.
- an urn for ground burial or niche interment
- special inscriptions or vases in the mausoleum or columbarium.

How many people can be buried in a single burial space?

Why should I prearrange my cemetery and funeral needs?

Prearranging for death is not a sign of hopelessness; it is an expression of trust, faith and acceptance in the Resurrection of our Lord.

By pre-planning your funeral and burial your wishes are made clear, and the burden of making funeral arrangements is lifted from your family at a time of sorrow.  Thses wishes will be implemented at the time of death and your funeral and burial will reflect your Catholic Faith. Advance planning is the best way to avoid heavier financial burdens later. Decisions are better made when made apart from the emotions and stress of a death. Couples, who lived for years together, should plan their burials together while in sound mind and body.

Is there any benefit to pre-planning, or should I let my family look after everything when the time comes?

Planning in advance is ALWAYS a good idea, whether you're planning for a wedding, for your children's education, for your financial security before retirement ... or for your funeral. When you plan ahead of time, you make decisions based on your own priorities,  You have time to write down all your questions, make sure they are answered, and arrive at well-thought-out conclusions.

Funeral and cemetery arrangements may also be pre-paid. Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries and funeral homes offer the opportunity to pay now in order to guarantee the price of a funeral at some time in the future. These pre-paid funds are held in trust and carefully monitored by the Archdiocese or -- in the case of funeral homes -- by the Province of Alberta, so you are assured of the security of your arrangements.

You may also wish to pre-plan the funeral liturgy. Most parishes have staff available who can help you choose readings, music and other make other decisions so that your family will not have to wonder what you would have liked.

Nobody likes to spend time thinking about death and it wouldn't be healthy to do so. We don't have control over WHEN or HOW we will die, but we CAN take control of what will happen after our death. Make sure you have a current, valid will. Make sure you have designed legal guardians for your minor children. Talk to your family about funeral and cemetery arrangements; it may be a difficult conversation, but it's an important one and ultimately a caring gift to them.

      CREMATION         
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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 that reduces the body to its original elements.  After cooling, the fragments are pulverized.   The commonly used term is ashes, but these remains are not ash, but bone fragments.  The proper name is ”cremated remains of the body” or cremains.

As a Catholic, can I choose cremation?

Yes. In light of the renewal begun with the Second Vatican Council (1962-­65), the revised Code of Canon Law (1983) states - The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.

The choice of cremation has implications for the funeral rites that follow death. A reverent and memorialized placement in a grave, niche or crypt is essential. These are mortal remains of a human being. The face and body may be gone, but the meaning of that person continues.

I thought cremation was forbidden to Catholics. Has the Church's position changed?

Early Christians' faith in the resurrection of the body was ridiculed by Roman society; sometimes the bodies of Christians were cremated in order to mock their faith that one day that same body would be raised from the dead. Therefore, for centuries, the Church prohibited and abhorred cremation.

At the time of the Second Vatican Council, however, this position was reviewed and the conclusion was reached that, as long as cremation takes place for good reason and not for the purpose of denigrating or denying the faith, it is permitted to Catholics.

"Good reasons" for cremation may be as varied as (1) cost; (2) transportability -- when a family member dies while in another country; (3) preference of entombment above-ground.

If cremation has already taken place, am I still allowed to have a funeral Mass?

That's a more difficult question. At present, it is preferred that the body be present for the funeral liturgy and that cremation take place after the Mass. Many of the symbols of baptism used during the funeral liturgy (burial pall, sprinkling with holy water, Paschal candle) are most fully understood when the actual body -- which was baptized -- is present.

Some families are concerned that funeral costs will increase if they have to delay the cremation until after the funeral Mass, and often this is true. However, it is possible to rent a casket for the funeral, which lowers the cost considerably.

If cremation has already taken place, most pastors prefer to celebrate a Memorial Mass, rather than the Funeral Mass, or Mass of the Resurrection. It's best to check with the pastor of your parish before making any decisions in this regard.

If I have decided to be cremated, will my body have to be embalmed?

It depends on the length of time that will elapse before the cremation takes place. If cremation will take place within 72 hours, embalming is not mandated by law.

However, if the family chooses to have a "viewing" or time of visitation before the funeral, it is definitely preferable to have the body embalmed.

Some people ask about "direct disposition" ... that is, when the body is removed from the home or hospital where death has occurred and is taken immediately to the crematory facility. Although this sounds like a quick and simple solution, eliminating the need for all the grief associated with "viewing" may not be the best answer. Family and friends need to mourn together. The time of visitation is a wonderful opportunity for the expression of grief, for support of one another, for remembering the one who has died, and for beginning the process of "letting go". It is a mistake to think that you can avoid grief by rushing through the process.

What is the Church's position on the scattering of cremated remains?

We believe that after cremation, although the form of the body has changed, it is still present in the form of cremated remains, sometimes also referred to as "ashes". Therefore, the remains -- before AND after cremation -- merit the same respect and dignity and should be buried or entombed accordingly.

From a practical perspective, scattering cremated remains leaves the family and friends with no place to visit and no place where a memorial can be placed as an everlasting tribute and remembrance.

Legally, however, the Province of Alberta does not prohibit the scattering of cremated remains although permission should be obtained before scattering in a public place (a park, for instance) or on property owned by someone other than the estate of the deceased person.

Where can cremation urns be placed?

Cremated remains should be treated with respect since they are the remains of the human body. This treatment includes the care and attention to their appropriate placement.

Proper interment of cremated remains is available in the Mausoleum, Columbarium or traditional ground burial in a Catholic Cemetery.  The total number of urns that can be placed in each niche or grave is preset by the Cemetery. At the time of purchase, depending on the use of the space, the number of burials is deturmined.

If after purchase the family would like to make a change in the use of the space,  depending on the type of space and number of burials allowed,families may be able to arrange for the additional placement of a cremated remains into a full sized family grave that is already occupied by a casket burial.   Ownership and permission to bury are established prior to the additional burial(s) being arranged  and an additional user fee will apply.

Cremated remains are buried or entombed in a place that provides for distinguished and adequate memorialization of the deceased.

Can I do something other than bury the cremated remains?

The Church requires a reverent disposition of the cremated remains of each person. Thus, remains should be buried in the ground or placed in either a niche or crypt. They are not to be divided, scattered, placed in jewelry or statuary, commingled with another person or animal or subject to other practice other than permanent, reverent, marked placement.

I wish to be cremated, are there special areas for burial of cremated remains?

Church teaching insists that cremated remains be given the same respect as the body, including the manner in which they are buried or entombed.  They should be buried in a Catholic cemetery and use the rites provided by the Order of Christian Funerals.

POLICY AND GUIDELINES   
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Will current cemetery policy always be in place?

Why wasn't I informed about a policy change?

Our historical databases are not updated to reflect generations beyond the original owners of burial rights. Contacting all owners, heirs of burial rights and other interested parties is, therefore, not possible.

Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries makes significant effort to communicate policy changes with our Christian Faithful. We use all available means of modern communication to convey new information. Signs are posted and brochures placed at the entrances and in the offices of our Cemeteries.

The web site - www.edmontoncatholiccemeteries.org - is the source of accurate, complete and up-to-date information on how to contact our offices for those within and outside our City and surrounding area.

Why can't I decorate a grave, a crypt or a niche any way I want?

We strive to balance individual and family decoration choices with the overall administration of a large cemetery system to assure order, beauty and tidiness. By our policies we strive to avoid subjectivity and assure objectivity in handling decorations and we wish to deal with everyone fairly and equally.

For outdoor burial, all decorations must be in approved vases and  be safe and sized appropriately.  Graves can be decorated according to the time of year.  In flat marker areas crosses and memorialization can be set out over winter for identification purposes, but for maintenance  purposes these decorations must be removed from the space in spring through late fall.

Crypt and niche fronts in our mausoleums can have only memorialization and decoration approved by the cemetery. Our Decorations Policies and Decorations Privileges are written out and available at both offices for those having specific questions about decorations.

Can I disinter or disentomb my loved one for burial elsewhere?

Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries always discourages this difficult and expensive endeavor. We believe Rest in Peace means Rest in Peace.

Nevertheless, we support families that make this decision for valid reasons - keeping families together, desiring aboveground entombment, desiring better memorialization opportunities, etc. We do everything possible to make this type of move reverent and respectful.  Further information about disenterments and arrangements can be made with the Cemetery Offices.

Can I be buried with my grandfather?

In Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries, generally only one burial is permitted per grave.  However, with proper authorization, cremated remains of a relative (spouse, child, grandchild) may be interred with an existing burial.  It’s a good idea to make these arrangements in advance so several items can be addressed.

The cemetery will check that there is enough space.  Most of the time this is not an issue, but because of memorials, trees and vaults, the cemetery will check available room for additional burial and memorialization.

Since in many cases, the lot was purchased long ago there are likely several descendents who have the legal right, in common, to request or authorize burials.  All equal family members must agree that you can be buried in this grave, and give you written permission that will be added to the Cemeteries records for future reference. By making these arrangements in advance all will be ready when you need to use this space for burial.

Can I obtain information on my family from the cemetery?

Because we welcome and encourage frequent contact, our cemetery office staff responds to requests for burial locations related to personal visits, and other cemetery related activities.

Who works at the cemetery?

There are approximately 13 full-time permanent employees and about 6 additional employees added for the growing season.

Our staff, headed by the Manager of Cemeteries, handles all facets of cemetery services - management, accounting, customer service, record keeping, burials, grounds and maintenance, sales and information resources.

The Field crew moves between the five cemeteries handling all facets of maintenance, memorial installation and burial service.

The Office staff are dedicated to service and ministry and have years of competence and experience dealing will all aspects of the cemetery ministry and a special  sensitivity to the issues of death and grief.

Your investment with the Archdiocese preserves and perpetuates, operates and maintains the five Archdiocesan Cemeteries and one mausoleum operated by Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries.

  FUNERAL AND BURIAL
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What is the Order of Christian Funerals?

The Order of Christian Funerals are the Catholic rites at and after death. It is modeled as a journey of prayer with the deceased from the deathbed to place of burial. It expresses deep emotions of profound faith in God and enduring love for the deceased. The rites also convey thanksgiving to God, hope in Christ's Resurrection, consolation of the living and compassion for those hurting, afraid or sad.

The three main liturgical rites are to be celebrated in full, not shortened or omitted. They require time and travel. Death is never convenient.

The three main prayer moments:
- The Vigil at a funeral home or at the deceased's parish. 
This is a time to pray for the soul of the faithful departed and all other souls of family members.  It is a time to remember the life of the deceased and comfort the living.   

- The Burial Mass celebrated with the faith community where the deceased belonged or where a family member belongs.   
The family is reminded that this loved one who was baptized in Christ and nourished at the altar, still lives on and shares in the hope of the Resurrection of the body.  If the body is present this is a mass of Christian Burial.  If cremains are present this is a Memorial Mass for the Dead. 

-The Rite of Committal is prayed at the cemetery, either at a graveside or in a chapel.   In the sacred ground of the cemetery we call to mind our faith in the Risen Christ as the faithful wait together in joyful hope for the resurrection of their bodies.

What more is there about the Committal?

Ordinarily, the Rite of Committal, the end of the funeral journey, takes place in the cemetery at the actual place of burial or in a chapel near the burial site.

Often inclement weather determines where the Rite of Committal takes place. It may take place completely in the church, completely in the cemetery, or partly in the church and the cemetery.

The final leave-taking should be meaningful and unhurried. It is the end of a life-long journey. The prayers of committal recognize that the place of eventual burial has been transformed by means of Christ's death and resurrection.

Can I arrange for a Funeral Mass in a chapel at one of the Catholic Cemeteries?

No. While the Catholic Church offers immense support and comfort through the Order of Christian Funerals, Funeral Masses are to be celebrated within a parish.

- What if a person has not practiced the Catholic Faith for some time?
- What if a person has been cared for in institutions for years?
- What if a person has lived away in retirement for years and has not lived in a local parish?

In all these instances, contact a parish, either a parish from the deceased's past or the parish of a family member. Parish staffs understand how things are. People who lived their last days or years in a different locale can assume their previous membership is still in effect at death. In most cases, a parish will be accommodating, understanding and welcoming.

Our chapel is available, at an nominal fee, for a Memorial Service (not the Funeral Mass) or for the Rite of Committal.