Albany Diocesan Cemeteries

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“Our true home is in heaven, and Jesus Christ, whose return we long for, will come from heaven to save us.” Philippians 3:20

Green Burial

Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY

What is natural burial?

Natural burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact. The body returns naturally to the earth, "For dust you are and to dust you shall return," Genesis 3:19. Natural burial will appeal to environmentalists, those wishing for simpler funeral choices, or as an alternative to cremation.

What is Kateri Meadow?

This preserve is named for Kateri Tekakwitha (1658-1680), the beloved "Lily of the Mohawk," who lived a few miles away in Auriesville, NY. Kateri, who will be canonized as the first Native American Saint in October 2012, is the patroness of the environment and ecology.

Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve is a meadow landscape for natural burial. Only burial shrouds or natural biodegradable caskets can be used. Burial vaults are not permitted. Embalming is not required. Memorials are limited to natural granite blocks supplied by the cemetery. The granite may be inscribed with the name of the deceased and dates of birth and death. Decorations are not permitted. Cremated remains are not allowed.

Can we have a wake, funeral mass, and committal service?

Through its funeral rites, the Church commends the dead to the merciful love of God and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. When natural burial is chosen, the full course of the Order of Christian Funerals should still be celebrated, including the Vigil Service (wake), the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal. The preservation of this order allows for the greater expression of our beliefs and values, especially, the sacredness of human life, the dignity of the individual person and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead.

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard blesses Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve during
the September 13, 2012 dedication

See What Others Are Saying About Green Burial

Bishop Hubbard dedicates Kateri Meadow
Evangelist.org

Green acres for eternity:
Spotlightnews.com

To lie down in green pastures:
Timesunion.com

Niskayuna cemetery home to state's first natural burial preserve:
Troyrecord.com

Unto dust you shall return: Catholics and green burial
Evangelist.org

Green acres for eternity:
Coloniespotlight.com

This weekend on Capital Green Scene:
Blog.timesunion.com

 

For more information:
call Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery (518) 374-5319
or email natural.burial@rcda.org

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Albany Diocesan Cemeteries
48 Cemetery Ave., Menands, NY 12204
Phone: 518-432-4953
Fax: 518-427-8035
info@rcdacemeteries.org