Burial Solutions and Sacred Cemeteries in Bellevue, WA

The Catholic cemeteries in Bellevue, WA, are special places where we can remember our history and our Catholic beliefs. We can think about how our community expresses its faith, even in death. The Catholic cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Seattle provide a variety of cremations and burial or inurnment options. We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. If you would like to learn more about the options available to you, please contact us at 888-884-6772.

The burial of deceased remains is a sacred tradition for many groups who wish to lay the body to rest with a future resurrection in mind. There are multiple ways to accommodate religious burial for both intact and cremated remains at catholic supported cemeteries in Bellevue, WA. Take a look at just a few ways burial could be fulfilled.

In-Ground Graves: Full burial with casketed or shrouded remains is a well-known practice. The body could be taken through a full funeral service, complete with embalming to preserve the remains before this burial takes place if that is wanted. It is also possible to have a more immediate burial option for a more simplified graveside service. Cremated remains reduced to a few pounds of ashen bone fragments can also be buried. In whole or cremated burial, a place for a permanent memorial is created wherever the grave is located.

Mausoleum Crypts: Above-ground burial is available in some establishments. If you are looking for entombment options of complete remains, mausoleums provide raised structures for this purpose. Some mausoleums are communal, through each burial compartment is typically separate. Private mausoleum crypts for individuals or family groups can also be found in some locations. Though these burial solutions are not available at all sites, they are an appropriate option for some.

Columbaria Niches: Like mausoleums, columbaria structures are designed to entomb remains above the ground. The niches are much smaller than a mausoleum burial crypt, however. That is because columbarium walls or houses are usually designed for cremated remains. If this type of burial is interesting to you, you’ll want to find an establishment that offers space in one of these compartments.

Outer Burial Containers: Unless you are burying in a natural burial site, most cemeteries will require a burial container and, in some cases, two. These often keep the remains protected from some water seepage and help keep the ground more level after the disruption of opening and closing a gravesite. Caskets are designed with various features, from simple to elaborate. Burial vaults are made from very rigid materials, such as concrete. Cremation urns may be explicitly designed for burial, and cremation vaults are used at urn plots.

Monuments and Memorial Markers at Cemeteries in Bellevue, WA

Depending on the rules of the cemeteries in Bellevue, WA, you can usually have a marker ordered to mark the grave of your loved one. Different areas of the cemetery may allow for other profiles and materials. Knowing the rules for your specific plot/grave space is crucial when these monuments are ordered, designed, and installed.

Flush Lawn Grave Memorials: These are low-profile presentations that might be made from various material types. They can be smaller or larger. Some locations require these in certain areas for the ease of maintaining the cemetery lawn.

Upright Monuments: As the name implies, the upright monument moves upwards from the ground. In some cases, these can be quite tall. Again, you must be familiar with the specifications of the area you are considering this installation to avoid costly errors and redos.

Memorial Inscriptions: These can often be personalized beautifully or kept classically simple. Memorial adornments and inscribed décor should also adhere to the pertinent regulations. Vases may be allowed at some sites, and care should be taken to remove spent florals and décor before cemetery clean-up dates to avoid losing something you would like to keep.

Memorial Portraits: A portrait of the deceased can be added to the monument in some locations. This could be a likeness of the individual, their family, or a religious image.

Memorial Setting and Installation: You’ll want to work with a qualified firm to get the design and materials just right for your stone placement. Equally important will be having them help you set the piece in place at the appropriate time. Having the ground prepped and engineered for proper setting and installation will make this piece a lasting and meaningful visual tribute to the departed individual.

Pre-Planning a Catholic Burial

 Even though it can be challenging to think about, making plans for final arrangements, including burial, before it is needed has some important benefits. Purchasing a burial space can make it possible for the family or close relations to decide together. It can also help to protect against price increases that occur over time. Payment arrangements can often be supported in a pre-planning situation, whereas services delivered at need will have to be paid in full. This can alleviate some of the financial stress your loved ones may feel at your passing.

A Resource to Find the Perfect Burial Location

If you need to make final arrangements for your future needs or immediately needed services for a loved one, contact the Archdiocese of Seattle by calling 888-884-6772. These compassionate professionals can assist you through this time of loss and transition while assisting with the planning for final arrangements. They can also help you locate the perfect location for sacred burial at supported cemeteries in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas.

Cemetery FAQs

How Long Do You Own a Burial Plot? 
The average time a person owns a burial plot can last about 25-75 years. However, this can vary depending on the cemetery and the arrangements made. For example, some cemeteries allow people to lease plots for a certain length of time, while others require that the plot be purchased outright. Visit here to see available plots in our Calvary area. 

 What Happens When Your Burial Plot Expires? 
The cemetery will contact you to let you know that your plot has expired and will give you the option to renew it. If you don’t renew it, they will offer the plot to someone else. If you choose not to renew your plot, the cemetery can either resell it to someone else or they can bury you in an area where they have available space. 

Why are Bodies Buried 6 Feet Down? 
The tradition of burial six feet underground came about during the bubonic plague in England. During this time, mass graves were dug, and bodies were often piled on top of each other. The theory was that if the corpse was covered in six feet of dirt, no one would be able to smell it and catch the plague. While this method may not have been 100% effective in preventing the spread of disease, it became widely accepted as a proper burial protocol. Here are some additional resources to keep you informed.