To many, keeping a loved one’s cremated remains at home seems like a way to stay close to them. Unfortunately, this poses some potential problems. Over time and through generations, cremated remains become prone to being forgotten. For descendants who inherit urns containing the remains of people they never met, ashes can quickly turn from keepsakes to headaches. The question of where to display the urn becomes a question of where to store the urn. The Cremation Association of North America estimates that over 2 million sets of cremated remains are left at a crematory, stuffed in a closet, or forgotten in an attic. Worse still, urns containing loved ones’ ashes can be lost in a fire, flood, or other natural disaster.
Regardless of whether cremation has been chosen, the body of the deceased felt the waters of Baptism, was fed the Bread of Life, and performed the works of the Holy Spirit. As Catholics, we know that respecting human remains, cremated or not, is integral to our belief in the Resurrection. The good thing about cremation is that it is never too late to inter the remains. As a ministry, we are here for you, and we can help you keep the remains of your loved one safe, dignified, and memorialized. South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries offers several options for inurning your loved one, aligning with the Church’s teachings, and securing them a final resting place on sanctified ground. Below are some options to help get you started.
Private Family Cremation Estates are much like a traditional private family mausoleum that can contain several family members, but are designed specifically for cremated remains. These beautiful granite monuments have numerous personalization possibilities that make it unique to your family.
A Columbarium is a public unit that holds several niches, each containing cremated remains. A niche can be purchased singularly or several at a time. Columbaria are similar to a mausoleum crypt, but designed for cremated remains. Columbaria are almost always built in a surrounding that offers a nice place to sit and visit loved ones.
Ground cremation graves are a cost-effective way to inter cremated remains. We offer several burial options for cremation. And, if you already own a burial plot, or are seeking to buy one for full body interment, you may have the option to purchase an additional burial privilege for cremated remains at a lower cost, which we call a grave reuse.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your dearly departed, contact one of our cemeteries today!