TYPES OF CEMETERIES Whether a family is seeking to make pre-need or at-need arrangements, for a cremation or casket burial, there are many types of cemeteries to choose from. However, not all burial options may be available at all cemeteries. • Religious Cemeteries Religious cemeteries are non-profit entities owned by a religious organization. Catholic families are encouraged to seek burial in a Catholic Cemetery. These cemeteries are an extension of our parish communities. They offer a Christian setting that testifies to our Catholic faith and an environment that inspires reminiscence, prayer, and healing. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has three perpetually cared for, Catholic Cemeteries. Each are consecrated burial grounds. This means that the property of each cemetery has been ceremoniously devoted to the ministry of burying the dead and will always be maintained as a cemetery. If you would like more information on the Archdiocese’s perpetually cared for cemeteries visit: www.asfcca.org. Both pre-need and at-need burial options are offered at these locations. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe also has numerous parish cemeteries throughout. Parish cemeteries are typically not maintained by paid staff. Individuals and the church community are usually the caretakers of these cemeteries. If you wish to locate and learn about a parish cemetery near you, contact your local church. Parish cemeteries may or may not offer pre-need purchase opportunities. • Public Cemeteries Public cemeteries are for-profit cemeteries and are owned either independently or corporately. Public cemetery grounds have not been consecrated. However, during a Rite of Committal Service, the gravesite will be blessed by the Priest or Deacon. Catholics who choose to be buried in a public cemetery, can find locations through local funeral homes, talking to friends, family members, or searching online. Both pre-need and at-need purchase options are usually available at these cemeteries. • District, Municipal or Land Grant Cemeteries District, municipal or land grant cemeteries are cemeteries owned by the city, county or land grant. These types of cemeteries exist in many American cities, however, depending on the size of the municipality, the cemetery may be full, sold out, or dedicated to the burial of residents who die destitute. These cemeteries are not consecrated grounds; however, the gravesite will be blessed by the Priest or Deacon during a Rite of Committal Service. To find a municipal cemetery in your area, contact your local town clerk or city hall or by searching online. Note that pre- need purchase options may not be available at these cemeteries. • National or Veterans’ Cemeteries National or Veterans’ Cemeteries are government-run cemeteries for the burial of veterans, their spouses and dependent children. For more information on burial eligibility, please contact the Veterans’ Administration. If you would like burial in a veterans’ cemetery, inform the funeral home and they will assist you in making those arrangements. It is important to provide the DD214 document in order to schedule a burial. Burial in a veterans’ cemetery includes a plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a headstone, and military honors, at no charge. These cemetery grounds are not consecrated. Note that pre-need purchase options are not available at these cemeteries. To locate Veterans’ Cemeteries near you visit the following website: www.cem.va.gov. Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide 23