Roman Catholic Area Faith Community of 

St. Anastasia & St. Boniface

Is the full body in casket required at the Funeral Mass?  

The Church first allowed cremations in 1963, with the understanding that the body would be cremated after the Funeral Mass. If cremation is chosen, then the cremation should be done after the Funeral Mass. To be buried as Christ was buried is a value of great importance for the Church. The Funeral Mass is a final opportunity to commend the deceased to God’s mercy, and that’s why it must be done with reverence. For more information see Our Sunday Visitor Oct 9, 2011, article titled “Properly paying final respects.”

Where are the in-ground burials located at St. A’s Cemetery?     

New area: There are 54 graves plotted in the last two years on the North East side of the cemetery. This entire North section (north of the north driveway) could hold almost 800 burials.

Old area: There are about 35 available grave sites in the older central area, but some of these are compromised by trees and large family tombstones. There are about an equal number of in-ground cremation sites in the older central area. Full size graves at St. A’s Cemetery cost $550 to $700 per grave site. An in-ground single cremation site is $330. All in-ground burials require a vault. 

What is a columbarium? What does a unit cost?

A columbarium is a permanent above-ground tomb to hold urns of cremated remains. The openings are called “niches” with a cube size of 10.5 inches. Each of our granite columbariums has 48 niches. The cost of a niche at St. A’s varies from $880—$1100 for parishioners.

What is a mausoleum? What does it cost?

A mausoleum is a permanent above-ground tomb to hold  full-sized caskets. Mausoleums have openings called “crypts.” The cost of a St. A’s mausoleum crypt various from $2400 to $2600 for parishioners. Our mausoleum has 32 crypts total. There are 10 crypts remaining to be sold.    

Why consider above-ground burial?

The mausoleum and columbarium structures of today are impressive monuments with concrete base and interior walls and granite-clad roof and outer walls. The favorable factors for above-ground burial are:  

-- Clean and dry              

-- Low cost             

-- No vault required

-- Unaffected by seasonal problems such as frost or muddy spring thaws

-- Attractive looking and no tombstone or marker required. The bronze name plates and dates are included in the purchase price.

-- Resourceful use of limited cemetery acreage

How many cremation urns can be located in an in-ground full grave site?

Two in-ground cremation remains may be buried in one full size grave site (about 4 ft. by 8 ft.). All burials in the ground must have a vault for the coffin or a cremation urn. Cremation vaults cost approximately $150.

How do the various burial options compare in cost for a parishioner?

Casket and cremation urn costs are not included in the following:

Columbarium: 

Niche $1100

Prep/Close $110

Total $1210

Bronze name plate & dates inc.

Mausoleum: 

Crypt $2500

Prep/Close $165

Total $2765

Bronze name plate & dates inc.

Cremation urn in ground: 

Ground lot $330

Interment (winter) $400

Vault $150

Flat marker & base $900

Total $1780

In ground full size burial:

Ground Lot $700

With upright marker fee

Interment (winter) $700

Vault $1233

Vault del. & tent $200

Upright marker $2300

Total $5100

Should I plan my funeral?

We encourage people to at least write down their wishes so their loved ones have some idea of what to do. It is recommended that the funeral wishes be documented. It is easy to meet with a funeral director and work up a prearrangement on your burial wishes whether it is above or in-ground. At the same time, it is recommended to visit the pastor or the parish lay staff and plan the funeral liturgy.

When is the next St. A’s Cemetery price increase?

Prices are reviewed by the St. A’s Cemetery Committee every  two years. The last price increase was Jan 2010. The committee will review the prices in Jan 2012. We anticipate a price increase on most  options.