Cemetery FAQs
Who can be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?
Catholic Cemeteries are intended for the use of
Catholics and their families. Non-Catholic relatives and friends are welcome.
How many burials may be placed in one grave?
Ordinarily, only one casket or urn may be placed
in any one grave or crypt. Under limited conditions, one urn may be placed in
the same grave as a casket. A second use fee is charged in addition to the
interment fee.
Who controls the lot after the death of the
original purchaser?
Possession of a Certificate of Exclusive
Interment Rights does not guarantee owner ship of a cemetery lot, nor does it
guarantee the right to use graves in that lot. Ownership of a cemetery lot in a
religious cemetery is governed by Section 8 of the Religious Corporation Law of
New York. Section 8 states that cemetery lots shall be held indivisible and
that upon the death of a lot purchaser, the title to a cemetery lot passes
according to the purchaser's will or, if there is no will, to the purchaser's
heirs. However, there are certain exceptions to this general rule. If the
original purchaser of a cemetery lot is survived by a spouse, she or he shall
have the possession, care and control of such lot during the spouse's life. If
the lot purchaser is survived by a spouse and children, they shall in common
have the possession, care and control of such lot during the spouse's life. If
the lot purchaser is survived by children and no spouse, they, or the survivor
of them, shall in common have the possession, care and control of such lot
during the life of the survivor of them. A surviving spouse has burial rights
in a cemetery lot that was purchased by his or her spouse. In situations where
multiple people have the possession, care and control of a cemetery lot, families
are allowed by law (and encouraged by Albany Diocesan Cemeteries) to designate,
in writing, a representative to act on behalf of the family on matters
pertaining to the lot. Forms for this designation are available at the cemetery
office.
Can I return my graves or crypts if I change my mind?
Refunds are available if you move more than 75
miles from the cemetery and there are no interments or memorials. The original
purchaser may transfer the right of interment to another Catholic family.
