Resources
CHOOSE FROM THESE RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Cemetery Prayers
Grief Resources
Death Conversation
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I talk to about my burial questions and concerns?
The Family Service Specialists of The Catholic Cemeteries are highly trained to assist you in making the proper selection from the many burial options that are available to you, and to answer all of your questions.
You may reach us by phone at 651-228-9991 or online by clicking here.
You may also review our Pre-Planning page for more information.
What does the Catholic Church say about Cremation?
While the Church permits cremation, the Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, namely for the vigil and the funeral liturgy. The “Order of Christian Burial” contains provisions for the cremation of the body after the final commendation that concludes the funeral liturgy.
When it is not possible for the body to be present for the funeral liturgy, the Church now permits the cremated remains of the body to be present for the vigil, the funeral liturgy, and the committal rite. The parish church is the preferred place for the celebration of these rites. New prayer texts have been approved for use when the cremated remains of the body are present for the rites.
The cremated remains of the body are to be treated and handled with the same respect and dignity given to the corporeal remains of the body. This includes final disposition. If cremation is chosen as the means of final disposition, the remains are to be buried in the ground of a communal cemetery, preferably a Catholic cemetery, or entombed in a communal or private mausoleum or columbarium. Therefore, the cultural practices of scattering cremated remains, keeping them at home, or interring them at the lake cabin are not considered reverent or appropriate ways of disposition from the standpoint of the Church.
Whenever possible, appropriate memorialization of the deceased should be utilized at the place of burial.
What does the Catholic Church say about Natural or Green Burial?
To learn more, visit our Natural Burial page.
What are cemetery costs?
Costs vary by product, by cemetery, and by location within that cemetery. Family Service Specialists will educate you on your options and costs. To learn more, visit our price list page.
Will the cemetery be kept up even after it is full and generates no more revenue?
A percentage of the cost of each grave, crypt, or niche goes into a Permanent Care Fund which insures that your cemetery will be maintained.
Do I have to pay for cemetery property in full now?
No. The Catholic Cemeteries offers convenient payment plans designed to fit your means, some with no interest. If you pay in full, you will receive an extra 5% off your property purchase. This discount applies to pre-need purchases only. Major credit cards are also accepted.
Is genealogy information also available?
We are able to provide limited information based on burials and lot owners regarding individuals who are buried in our cemeteries. Other resources would be the MN History Center, Find a Grave, or the Archdiocesan Archives: Office of Archives and Records Management, 777 Forest Street, St. Paul, MN 55106 | records@archspm.org | (651) 291-4542
How can I find out the location of a grave where someone is buried?
Fill out our online Burial Location Request Form and we will send the cemetery map with the grave location to you electronically or by mail if requested.
How do I get added to the mailing list for wreaths and flowers?
To subscribe to our Seasonal Tributes mailing list, please visit our Traditional Memorials Page.
What kind of decorations are allowed at the gravesites?
Fresh cut flowers are only permitted during the mowing season. When the flowers become wilted the cemetery grounds crew will pick them up. Spring clean up of all wreaths and decorations placed for the winter will begin in March, as weather allows. The Natural Burial section, the Gate of Heaven Preserve (our natural burial section) is maintained as a native MN prairie. No flowers or decorations are allowed on the gravesite past the interment. For more information, visit this page.
Learn More
What to do with Cremated Remains
This 10 minute video presentation by Director of Corporate Operations, Cindy Keller, provides information on the importance of finding a permanent resting place for yourself or your loved one. This is part of a webinar that took place on September 12th, 2023.
What is Natural Burial?
This short video presentation, presented by Executive Director, Joan Gecik, provides a definition for Natural Burial, information on why Natural Burial is a “Greener Way to Go,” and details on our Natural Burial Sections at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.
How To Find and Uncover A Marker
Individuals visiting our cemeteries may find themselves looking for a marker that has sunken over time, or has become overgrown with grass. This video is a tutorial on how to locate and uncover such markers. We hope you find it helpful.
Cemetery Prayers
On Passing a Graveyard
Prayer for Presence
Mother’s Day Prayers
Memorial Day Prayers
Welcome to this Sacred Place
Prayers for a Child Who Has Died
Father’s Day Prayers
Grief Resources
The Catholic Cemeteries provides links to web sites owned and operated by others but is not responsible for the privacy practices, availability, products, services, or content offered on those sites.
Brighter Days
Brighter Days Family Grief Center is a “family-focused” grief center dedicated to grieving Minnesota families since 2017. They are a non-profit that provides free resources and services to children, young adults, and adults who are grieving the terminal diagnosis or death of a beloved family member.
SPECIAL OFFER: FREE MEDITATION SUBSCRIPTION
The Catholic Cemeteries is initiating a free subscription with the Center for Loss and Life Transition. You are invited to sign up for these gentle, thoughtful and powerful meditations which are sent to you every day. They are a supportive way to assist in integrating grief into your life and honoring your need to mourn. An email will be sent directly to your inbox. This service is free and you may opt out at any time and your email will not be sold or shared or used in any other way. Just click on the link below, submit your name and email and then you will receive a brief reflection shortly thereafter.
Center for Loss & Life Transition: Grief is Not a Disorder
In this article by Alan D. Wolfelt, he discusses his position on the new “prolonged grief disorder” diagnostic category in the DSM, where he speaks about how grief is normal and necessary. He says that because love doesn’t end, neither does grief and how it can continue well beyond a year. It takes on different expressions and affects us differently.
Family means center for grief and loss
The Center for Grief & Loss offers specialized therapy for complicated grief, trauma and life transitions. The staff is particularly passionate about and experienced in helping individuals and families experiencing healing and growth from grief and trauma. They are located in two homes on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.
Financial Steps After the Loss of a Loved One
While families are experiencing devestating grief after the loss of their loved one, there are certain financial tasks that must be completed after a death has occurred. US NEWS produced this article with 11 steps to follow after the loss of a loved one. Click “Learn More” to read the article.
GRIEVING ALONE & TOGETHER
The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives, including how we grieve the loss of a loved one. In this free e-book produced by Funeral Service Foundation and written by Sara Murphy, she covers how we face traumatic and ambiguous loss, how grief affects children, separation from a loved one at time of death, planning funerals and memorial services and finally, supporting your health while grieving.
Shared with permission by Sara Murphy, PhD, CT
Growing through loss coalition – south suburbs
Growing Through Loss (GTL) in the south suburban Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This coalition of churches provides support for adults who have experienced loss, information about the grieving process, caring and support from others who are also grieving and sharing of memories and feelings in a confidential setting. They offer a spring and fall series with speakers and small group support.
Handling the Holidays
Handling the Holidays is a wonderful resource from Darcie D. Sims of Grief Inc.
ICCFA: Educational Foundation
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association provides a wealth of resources, including Speaking Grief. This documentary focuses upon people, not actors, sharing their grief experience and heartfelt, simple guidance for those loved ones who support them.
Grief Support Coalitions in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Areas
These coalitions provide support for adults who have experienced loss, information about the grieving process, caring and support from others who are also grieving and sharing of memories and feelings in a confidential setting. Many offer speakers and small group support in areas around the Twin Cities.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition – www.brgriefcoalition.com
Capitol City Grief Coalition in St. Paul – Phone: 651-227-4430.
Downtown Coalition for Grief Support in Minneapolis – www.mplsgriefsupport.com
Edina Coalition for Grief Support – www.edinagriefsupport.org
Grief Support Coalition in the Minneapolis – Nokomis Area – Phone: 612-724-3691
Grief Support Coalition in South Minneapolis – Phone: 952-925-2437
Growing Through Loss in the North Metro area – Phone: 763-413-2985
Growing Through Loss in the Northern Suburbs – Phone: 763-755-5335
Growing Through Loss Coalition – South Suburbs – https://www.growingthroughlosstcsouth.com/
Southwest Grief Coalition – www.swgriefcoalition.org
West Suburban Grief Coalition – www.westsuburbangriefmn.org
How to Start a Conversation about Death
The Catholic Cemeteries provides links to web sites owned and operated by others but is not responsible for the privacy practices, availability, products, services, or content offered on those sites.
The Conversation Project
The conversation project focuses on helping people share their wishes for care through the end of life. When you visit this website, there is a free Conversation Starter Guide.
Coda Alliance – empowering easier, early, end-of-life conversations
This website provides engaging resources, research, and tools to encourage starting the difficult but necessary conversation.
Minnesota Catholic Conference – Health Care Directive
Who will speak for me when I cannot speak for myself? How do I ensure that the decisions made about my health care are morally correct? Take the time to fill out an advance health care directive for yourself and your loved ones. (source: www.mncatholic.org/healthcaredirective).
Article #1 – 7 Tips to Start Talking About Death with your family
Why should you talk with your family about death, and how? These 7 tips will help you with starting the conversation. (source: Gentreo.com)
Article #2 – Talking about death with family: 7 tips to start a dialogue
The benefits of talking with your loved ones about death include easing fear about death, relieving anxiety, and letting your family know your last wishes. This article includes these tips, as well as practical suggestions for starting the conversation. (source: joincake.com)
Article #3 – How can i get my parents/partner/child to talk about death with me?
Talking about death with those in your life might not be fun, but what if you don’t talk with them? Watch videos on how to talk with parents about death and planning, and how to ask the tough questions. (Source: orderofthegooddeath.com)
Article #4 – Have the talk of a lifetime
How do you have important conversations about the things that matter most, especially when remembering a person’s life story? Checkout this resource, which also includes a checklist: Things to Consider Checklist. (Source: rememberingalife.com)
Article #5 – End of life planning is a lifetime gift to your loved ones
Planning for your death is not about you, but about the loved ones who are left behind. This article talks about why pre-planning is a lifetime gift to those you love. (Source: npr.org)
Additional Resources
Archdiocesan Genealogical Research
The archives of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis maintain microfilm copies of baptism, marriage, and death records for most parishes in Minnesota.
Catholic Burial Traditions
Catholic Burial Traditions has written, video, audio and other resources that can be used by individuals and/or parishes staff for formation purposes, to learn more about Catholic burial. Registration is free.
Christian/Memorialization Symbols
Christian symbols are an important part of memorialization at The Catholic Cemeteries. Here is a list of common Christian symbols and their meaning.
Green Burial Council
Certification was obtained for the Gate of Heaven Preserve, the natural burial section at Resurrection Cemetery in 2020.
MN Funeral Planning: Resource Guide
The MN Funeral Planning: Resource Guide lists helpful, local resources, including The Catholic Cemeteries.