Frequently Asked Questions

In a unique way, the Catholic Church sets aside in perpetuity and solemnly consecrates the land of Catholic cemeteries for the interment of Catholics and their family members.

The perpetual care fee is a one-time charge to ensure the future maintenance and beautification of the cemeteries for generations.

YES. In 1963, the Vatican lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. More recently, the church authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before the funeral.

The church prefers that cremation take place after the funeral liturgy with the body. However, in the American culture, cremation often takes place immediately or soon after death.

Yes. Respectful final disposition of cremated remains involves interment or entombment. Cremated remains are to be treated the same as if it were the whole body of the deceased. Cremated remains should be interred in a family grave or entombed in a niche.

A columbarium is an arrangement of niches either inside a mausoleum or in another area of the cemetery into which cremated remains are entombed.

No. “The practices of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.” (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II).

Yes. Non-Catholic spouses or relatives of Catholics who have purchased the right of burial in a Catholic cemetery can also be buried here. All baptized Catholics, both practicing and non-practicing, are welcome to be buried in our cemeteries. Those who were together in life should remain together in death.

Currently, natural burial is offered at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon only.

Since every burial is unique, a Family Service Representative can help determine if space is available with your family.

Yes. Many families choose to purchase enough space so that their family can remain together even in death.

Yes. Flush, raised, slant and upright granite memorials are available for purchase in a variety of colors and styles. Proceeds from the sale of memorials are reinvested back into your cemetery.

A vault is used to protect the casket as well as to ensure the beauty and safety of the grave site. A variety of options, including cremation vaults, are available for purchase through the cemetery and proceeds from the sale are reinvested back into the cemetery.

Growing grass is dependent on a variety of factors. Grass is planted twice a year, once in early spring and again during the fall. These are the best times for growth, but planting grass once doesn’t guarantee full growth. Sometimes it can take a few rounds of seeding for grass to actually begin to grow. Each section and grave will be different, as changes in soil and other natural factors can affect the rate of growth.

Fixing a sinking marker is as simple as calling the cemetery office.

A complete set of guidelines can be found by visiting our decorations page.