Burial Basics

Do you want to be buried above ground, below ground, or cremated?

Above Ground

Above ground means placing a casket (coffin) in a mausoleum (building) containing crypts (compartments). A shutter front (marble slab) seals the casket and contains the name of the deceased.

Below Ground

Below ground means placing a casket(coffin) into a concrete vault and lowering it into a plot (grave) in the ground. Generally, a memorial stone (tomb/gravestone) or a slant/flat marker is used to identify the deceased.

Cremation

Cremated remains (cremains), which resemble a granular clay material can be placed in an urn (vase) and then put in a niche (compartment) in a mausoleum, a columbarium (outdoor structure), or in a grave.

Many people also store urns on a mantelpiece, in a closet, or basement, and many never leave the funeral home! Some people also ask to have their cremains simply released over water, land, or a stiff breeze.

It is important for Catholics to know that cremation has been permitted by the church since 1963.

Catholic Cemeteries

Regardless of the type of burial you select, we suggest that Catholics consider the sacred ground of a Catholic cemetery as your final resting place. We welcome all people, regardless of religion in our nine cemeteries across Fairfield County, Connecticut.

The question of above, below, or cremation is the starting point. Our experienced Family Advisors can give you a tour of our cemeteries, review your options and answer your questions.

Call us 24/7 at 860-410-4107

Email us at info@CTCemeteries.org