Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services

Can a mortuary assist me with Social Security benefits and veterans death benefits?

Yes. In fact, Holy Angels Funeral & Cemetery Services will do more than just assist you with securing these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary paperwork to begin the benefits process.

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?

Yes. Today, advance planning and prepayment of funerals are becoming common. Advance planning will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in you own funeral services. It will provide you with the peace of mind that everything is taken care of, relieving your family of the emotional and financial burden that comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. At Holy Angels Funeral & Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Oakland, we have experienced PreNeed Counselors available to assist you with your prearrangements. Simply call Holy Angels Funeral & Cemetery Services at show list of locations with phone or click here to contact us by email.

How many types of caskets exist and why are some more expensive than others?

Caskets are made of either wood or metal (bronze, copper or steel). Prices vary depending on the exterior and interior materials used. For example, bronze is considered a semi-precious metal and is more expensive than steel. Each of our mortuaries offers a variety of caskets to meet the style and the financial needs of the families we serve.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs vary depending on the mortuary and type of services selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services by the mortuary and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn.

Funeral costs may be paid by cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or an assignment of verified insurance benefits.

Is everything included in the price given to me by the mortuary?

All charges involving the mortuary’s services and merchandise are all from our professional staff. We will provide a general price list with all charges.

What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?

Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased’s remains. It is not required by law but is a common practice when a viewing is planned.

Do Catholic Cemeteries accept cremated remains?

Yes, in 1963 the Catholic Church eliminated its prohibition against cremation. Although cremation represents a means of disposition preferred by many, it is not the “final disposition” – burial is. Human cremated remains are still the body of the deceased – just in a different form. Thus, cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the “full” body is treated prior to cremation. They should be buried in a cemetery. Honoring and respecting the deceased by keeping their remains safe, undisturbed, and memorialized is a time honored tradition. It is important to everyone to be remembered. It is also important for family members and future generations to visit these graves – even if only once.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the reduction of the body of a deceased person to recoverable bone fragments through a process that combines intense heat and evaporation. After cooling, the fragments are pulverized. These fragments usually weigh 4 to 10 pounds.

What is the proper name for these remains?

What are commonly called ashes are not ash, but bone fragments. The proper terminology of the fragments is “cremated remains of the body.”

Are there advantages to buying burial space before my family actually needs it?

Yes. By making arrangements in advance, Catholic families can avoid confusion at the time of bereavement and assure themselves of burial and arrangements in the location they desire, and at a price they wish to pay. You will find our non-commissioned counselors knowledgeable and sensitive to your needs.

Can Someone Who Committed Suicide be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?

Yes. It is recognized that those who die from the act of suicide deserve understanding and compassion. The deceased may have been suffering from a serious psychological instability, or overwhelming fear and confusion. Therefore, the church offers funeral and burial rites for those who may have died as a result of suicide. The American edition of the Catholic ritual includes prayers for this specific situation. These prayers evoke forgiveness for the departed and consolation to their family.

Do I have to pay a monthly maintenance fee?

No. A one-time endowment care fee is charged at the time you purchase a grave, crypt or niche. The money is placed in a special trust fund, the proceeds of which are used to cover future maintenance costs throughout the cemetery.

How do I pay for my burial arrangements?

There are a variety of payment options and terms designed to give you the flexibility to remain within your personal budget. Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are honored for your convenience. Terms may be arranged with a down payment made at the time of a pre-need purchase, followed by monthly payments with a minimal interest fee. At the time of death, the burial arrangements must be paid in full. Special terms are available for persons in need.

If I move after purchasing, can I get a refund?

Yes. Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Oakland will refund the amount you prepaid, minus a nominal cancellation fee.

If I’m divorced and remarried can I be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?

Yes. For more information, or if you have additional questions, please contact your parish priest.

Is there any chance my grave will be re-sold after a specified number of years?

No. The purchaser has an exclusive and permanent right of use through an easement conveyed by Catholic Cemeteries. This right passes to direct blood heirs immediately after the death of the recorded owner, although the spouse has the first right of burial. This applies to all graves, crypts and niches in the cemetery. Written permission of the heirs-at-law may be required for burial. It is advisable to secure permission in advance and place it on file in the cemetery office to prevent unnecessary stress at the time when permission is essential.

Should I buy space for the entire family?

It has been our experience that generally, a husband and wife buy space for themselves. Many families decide to purchase adjoining plots to form a family group. Family plots are also available and can accommodate larger headstones. Crypts for full size caskets and niches for cremated remains may be purchased individually or in family groups.

Should I choose a crypt or a grave?

Personal preference and/or family tradition influence choices in this regard. Above ground entombment in a crypt building is appealing, especially to those people who aren’t comfortable with traditional below ground burial. Indoor mausoleum crypts are conducive to visitation in inclement weather.

What kind of monument can I purchase?

Monuments conform to the regulations that govern different areas of the cemetery. These regulations are not arbitrary, but are designed to both enhance the care and overall beauty and character of each section of the cemetery. Memorial benches are available in various sections in the cemetery.

Who can be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?

Catholic cemeteries have a long tradition of dedicated service to the Catholic Community including non-Catholics spouses, children, parents and other relatives. Christians with a connection to the Catholic Community may also be buried in the Catholic Cemeteries.

Why should Catholics be buried in a Catholic Cemetery?

It is only natural that those who share the same faith in life will wish to carry on that sense of community in death. When it comes to the issue of death, the sensibilities and needs of Catholics are unique and call for certain practices in the handling and care of the remains of the deceased. Therefore, in the blessed grounds of a Catholic cemetery there are safeguards – mandated by the Church’s Canon Law – which guarantee permanence, reverence and respect for the remains of the deceased.