Why choose a Catholic Cemetery?

First and foremost, a Catholic Cemetery is sacred and consecrated ground fitting for someone whose body was a temple of the Holy Spirit on earth and now awaits the resurrection from the dead.

Do I actually own the grave site or mausoleum/columbarium space that I purchase?

No.  The cemetery ground, mausoleum and columbariums are owned by the parish.  What you purchase is the “Right of Burial/Interment” in the specific space chosen.

Is it true that more than one human remains can be in a single space?

Yes, and this has become very popular from both a cost and environmental perspective.  Up to three remains can be buried in a full-size in-ground grave, and two remains can be interred in a single mausoleum crypt or columbarium niche.    Specifics can be obtained at the Parish Office.

What can I do to memorialize a loved one?

The Rules and Regulations governing the DOs and DON’Ts had not been observed or enforced for many years.  However, that has changed and they are now being enforced to ensure the sacred character and to maintain good order of the cemetery.  Copies are available on this website or at the Parish Office.

What about cremation?

The Church changed its position on cremation with Vatican II in the early 1960s; consequently, cremation has become increasingly popular.  However, the Church prefers that the body be present at the funeral Mass, and that cremation and interment occurs as soon as possible afterwards.  The Church is against practices such as keeping the cremated remains in the home, scattering of the remains, and having the remains made into jewelry, dishes and the like.  The cremated remains are placed in an urn which should be interred in the ground or in the mausoleum/columbarium.

What does it cost?

The Cemetery Committee conducts a market survey every two years of other Dover area cemeteries as well as those operated by the diocese in New Castle and Sussex Counties.  This is done to ensure our fees are both competitive yet reasonable, and can adequately cover the operational costs of the cemetery.  Contact the Parish Office for specifics.

Why is the mausoleum so much more expensive than in-ground grave space?

Actually, that’s not necessarily true.  In addition to the space itself, consideration must be given to the in-ground grave costs incurred at the time of burial.  Those costs include grave opening & closing, a vault that encases the casket, a monument/headstone and perpetual care fees.

Does the parish provide a payment plan?

An interest free financing program is available for purchases over $2,000.  Entering into a contract requires a 25% down payment plus a $200 administration fee; the balance is spread over 24 to 48 months depending on the amount financed.