FAQs
The following are a few of the most common questions we receive regarding Calvary Cemetery and the funeral process. If you have any questions that are not addressed below, please feel free to contact us. Our family counselors are extremely knowledgeable and ready to be of assistance.
Can non-Catholics be buried at Calvary?
Absolutely. In keeping with the spirit of Catholicism our doors and services at Calvary Cemetery are open to a variety of faith traditions.
I am Catholic, but do I have to be buried at a Catholic cemetery?
It is not required that Catholics be buried at a Catholic cemetery, however it is only natural that those who practice the Catholic faith in life would wish to carry that faith through in death.
What are the benefits of making preneed arrangements?
Purchasing a burial space before the time of need is a part of planning ahead. It shows your family that you care because there will be less burden placed upon them at the time of bereavement. Also, preneed purchasing ensures the purchaser the location they desire at a price they are willing to pay.
Is there a periodical maintenance fee for preneed burial spaces?
No. Calvary Catholic Cemetery is a perpetual care cemetery which means that a portion of all profits are put into a perpetual care fund of which only the interest is applied towards maintenance of the grounds.
How can I find out about a family member who may be interred at Calvary?
In order to obtain cemetery records all you have to do is contact the cemetery office either by phone or in person. Our records are very accurate dating back to the opening of Calvary in 1960.
If I purchase a burial space in advance, will it be resold if a certain time limit is exceeded?
No. Once a burial space is purchased and paid for in full, the purchaser will obtain future rights to it. Calvary does not impose a time limit on preneed purchases.
Does the Catholic Church allow cremation of the body?
Catholics may choose cremation, provided it in no way expresses a denial of the Catholic teaching of the dignity of the body, created by Almighty God to be a temple of the Holy Spirit and destined to share fully in the resurrection of the just on the Last Day.
Although the church understands that certain circumstances and preferences may exist for individuals or relatives to seek cremation, she maintains as a first preference the funeral rites with the body present and its immediate burial in a cemetery.
What is the first step in considering cremation?
Catholic faithful are encouraged to seek the counsel of their pastor before choosing cremation.
If cremation is chosen, when should the body be cremated?
The church recommends that the body be cremated after the funeral, thus allowing for the presence of the body at the funeral Mass. When pastoral circumstances require it, however, cremation and committal may take place even before the funeral liturgy. Pastors in Florida can grant permission on an individual basis for cremated remains to be present at the funeral Mass.
How should the final disposition of the cremated remains be handled?
The final disposition of cremated remains should always reflect the Christian belief in the bodily resurrection and the respect afforded to the human body, even after death.
What is the proper method for final disposition of the cremated remains?
The church recommends that the burial or entombment of the cremated remains occur without delay, once the cremation process is completed. Cremated remains are to be placed in an urn (or other suitable container) and either buried in the ground or at sea, or entombed in a columbarium. Catholics are strongly encouraged to be buried or entombed in a Catholic cemetery or the Catholic section of a non-Catholic cemetery.
What practices for handling cremated remains are to be avoided?
The practice of scattering cremated remains at 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 the church requires. Such methods of disposing of cremated remains are inconsistent with the due respect and honor that the church wants to preserve for her departed children. The practice of a common grave, ground or niche where the cremated remains of several persons are scattered, poured, buried or combined without individual urns is to be completely avoided in Catholic cemeteries. Catholics should not select this practice for the final disposition of their mortal, cremated remains.
Can cremated remains be divided or combined with those of others?
Each urn is to contain the cremated remains of only one person. The cremated remains of one person are not to be divided but rather are always kept in the same urn.
Can cremated remains be buried at sea?
The cremated remains of the body may be properly buried at sea in the urn, coffin or other container in which they have been carried to the place of committal.
Some of the questions and answers above are excerpts from the Statement and Policy on Cremation, approved by the Bishops of Florida.