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12 TODAY’S CATHOLIC CEMETERY FOCUS JUNE 5, 1998

I’m Catholic, do I have to be buried in a Catholic cemetery?
by Albert J. Sanchez
Superintendent, Catholic Cemeteries
Archdiocese of San Antonio

The question has been asked of us a thousand or more times and whether you’re a cradle Catholic or a recent convert, the answer is yes. Actually, the answer is no, but read on a little and allow me to explain why I think maybe it should be yes. (I’m sure I’ll get a call or two on this one.) You do have a choice, as a Catholic, to be buried wherever you want or actually, wherever your survivors want unless you pre-arrange. This right of choice came about as a result of the Second Vatican Council and is a choice you still have today. The reason for this article is not to argue that point but to provide reasons why a Catholic should, at the very least, seriously consider being buried in a Catholic cemetery. Equally, my intention is not to bash or scrutinize the privately owned or publicly traded, for profit, huge conglomerate-owned, line-the-shareholders-pockets type of cemeteries either. I have articles, yet to be written, especially for them and we do have our share of them right here in the Alamo City. Anyway, back to this article.

Please consider the religious significance and the sacramental nature of your decision to use your Catholic cemeteries in a time of need or when pre-arranging your burial. Here’s a list of reasons:

1. The religious environment of the Catholic cemeteries testifies to the history and value of our faith community.

2. In providing a consecrated place of burial, even in death we treat the body with dignity and reverence.

3. Mass and other religious celebrations in our cemeteries affirm our belief that prayer and sacrifice on behalf of our loved ones is worthwhile.

4. We rest in peace together as we await the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Here are a few of the many practical aspects of choosing a Catholic cemetery for burial or entombment:

1. Because our Catholic cemeteries have a religious orientation, we offer comparable services at lower costs.

2. Because we are diocesan-owned, we guarantee care that exceeds simple endowment.

3. Because the endowment is held in trust by the archdiocese for the perpetual upkeep of the cemeteries, we never will be a liability or burden to the archdiocese.

4. Because we are self-supported we are often able to assist other ministries of the archdiocese.

5. Unlike other cemeteries, we will be here as long as the church is—until the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

You’re Catholic; you should be buried in a Catholic cemetery.