A pre-need purchase of interment rights, whether for in-ground burial (traditional graves or cremation graves), above ground entombment (crypts) or above ground cremation (niches) allows one to make an important decision calmly, prudently, and economically.
In many cases, monthly payments can be made out of current income, thereby conserving retirement income and savings accumulated over the years. Cemetery expenditures are subject to the same spiraling increases in costs as are other purchases; by purchasing in advance of actual need, the prices are locked in and families will not be subject to price increases in the future.
By pre-planning your cemetery needs now, families often experience a greater peace of mind knowing that cemetery alternatives have been selected; that surviving family members will not have to be burdened with choosing the “right” burial alternative at the most difficult time in their lives.
The Gift of Pre-Arrangement
by Rick Touchette
“You have given your children a gift that Mom and Dad never gave us.” I overheard this conversation in the cemetery office, one sister to another, after one had finalized her pre-need burial arrangements.
In 25 years of cemetery ministry, I have helped thousands of families complete these arrangements. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s very, very hard.
When someone dies without pre-need arrangements, he or she leaves an enormous burden for the family. Someone, a spouse, child, friend or relative, will decide which cemetery and what type of cemetery lot or mausoleum crypt, and the size and style of memorial, often unaware of any wishes the deceased may have had. I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard “I wish I knew what Dad would have wanted.”
It’s not easy to do, because in order to make these arrangements, you must face your own mortality. No one wants to think about his or her death. Purchasing cemetery space is one more provision you can make for a time when your family must go on without you. Prearrangement relieves your family of difficult decisions and protects your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions in the midst of their grief.
Purchasing now locks in price. Your family is protected from future price increases and financial burdens. Your family will never be forced to worry about payments while dealing with their loss. Albany Diocesan Cemeteries offers interest-free payment plans on pre-need purchases. Information is free and there is no obligation.
So please consider this gift for your family.