Preplanning your final arrangements is a profound act of care for your family. By making these decisions now, you remove the emotional and financial burden from your loved ones during their time of grief, ensuring your final wishes are honored exactly as you intend.
The Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of San Diego are here to guide you through this journey of faith with compassion and expertise. Our simple, step-by-step process ensures nothing is overlooked.
1) Schedule Your Consultation
The journey begins with a conversation. Contact our cemetery office to schedule a pre-need consultation. Our advisors are experts in Catholic funeral traditions and are dedicated to helping you find the right fit for your needs.
2) Determine Your Interment Preference
The Church honors the dignity of the human body, whether you choose traditional full-body burial or cremation. Knowing your preference early helps narrow down the beautiful options available within our sacred grounds.
3) Explore Our Sacred Grounds
Our advisors will provide a personalized tour of our cemeteries. You can explore a variety of settings, including:
- Indoor Mausoleums: Elegant, climate-controlled environments for crypts and niches.
- Outdoor Gardens: Peaceful, landscaped areas featuring religious statuary and serene walkways.
4) Select Your Final Resting Place
Once you have toured the grounds, you can select the specific location that resonates with you. Whether it’s near a particular saint’s statue, in a quiet garden, or within a majestic mausoleum, we will help you find a place that offers peace to you and your future visitors.
5) Review Necessary Service Items
Beyond the physical space, several components are required for a complete arrangement. Your advisor will explain these clearly, including:
- Endowment Care: Ensures the perpetual beauty and maintenance of your site.
- Opening & Closing Fees: The professional services required at the time of interment.
- Outer Burial Containers: Required for most ground burials to protect the integrity of the site.
- Memorialization: Options for markers, monuments, or inscriptions to honor your legacy.
6) Flexible Payment & Financing
Preplanning allows you to lock in today’s prices, protecting your family from future inflation. We offer various payment options to fit your budget, including:
- Full Payment: For immediate peace of mind.
- Interest-Free Financing: Monthly payment plans tailored to your needs, often available without a credit check.
7) Finalize and Document Your Wishes
We will help you complete all necessary paperwork and contracts. Once signed, your records are kept securely within our diocesan archives, ensuring they are readily available to your parish and family when the time comes.
8) Share the Peace with Your Family
The final—and most important—step is to let your family know that these arrangements have been made. Provide them with copies of your documents or let them know where they are stored. Sharing this news brings a sense of relief to everyone, knowing that the most difficult decisions have already been handled with love.