Why a Catholic Cemetery? All cemeteries are not created equal. For a Catholic, burial in a Catholic cemetery is a final act of faith, a public witness to one's membership in a community 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 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. What's the difference between a Catholic cemetery and a public cemetery? The Catholic cemetery is a sacred place set aside by the Church for burial of the Faithful. Those buried there share a common belief in the sacredness of the body and the resurrection of the dead. The Catholic cemetery reflects the Church's teaching and traditions. Are Catholic cemeteries run for profit? No. Unlike most public cemeteries that are often part of large, for-profit corporations, the Catholic Cemetery is a not-for-profit organization. All of the money we receive is invested back into the organization for perpetual care, maintenance, and development of new Catholic cemeteries for the future Do Catholic cemeteries have mausoleums? Yes. Two of the diocesan Catholic cemeteries have mausoleums for those who prefer above ground entombment. Other options include garden crypts and traditional in-ground burial Are Catholics permitted to be cremated? Yes. Catholics may be cremated as long as doing so does not reflect a denial of the Church's teaching on the resurrection of the body. We have cremation packed to meet your families needs. For more information Click Here My spouse isn't Catholic. Doest that mean that being buried in a Catholic cemetery is out of the question? Not at all. Non-Catholic spouses or relatives of Catholics who purchase the right of burial in a Catholic cemetery can also be buried there. We believe that those who were together in life should remain together in death. I've already made arrangements at a public cemetery. What can I do? Usually burial space in other cemeteries can be re-sold, directly by the purchaser of some cemeteries will repurchase the plot or crypt. What is the right time to consider making final arrangements? Now, while you are able to make such decision in a calm manner and when the cost of burial arrangements is more affordable. Can I get space for the rest of my family? Yes. You can purchase as much burial space as needed for your family. and you may designate in writing those for whom the burial space has been reserved. Is financing available? Yes. Catholic cemeteries provides a range of financing options, interest free. Aren't the Catholic Cemeteries full? No! All of the diocesan Catholic cemeteries have space available. What about perpetual care? Catholic cemeteries is dedicated to the perpetual care and maintenance of its properties. A percentage of funds from all purchases is set aside strictly for perpetual care. What is the Catholic Diocesan Cemeteries? The Catholic Diocesan cemeteries is operated by the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a not-for-profit organization that operates the diocesan cemeteries and mausoleums. On of our associates will be happy to shop you our facilities and answer and questions you may have about Catholic cemeteries, Catholic burial rites, pre-need planning, and family burial arrangements or the difference between Catholic cemeteries and for-profit commercial cemeteries.