Diocesan cemeteries partner with the monks of New Melleray Abbey to offer caskets and urns that are crafted in the rural quiet of the monastery, by hands accustomed to prayer.
Monuments are available in a variety of granite types and colors that offer a selection of beautiful black, grey, red, green, blue, and other granite color mixes, in various price ranges. Granite monuments provide an extremely long-lasting, beautiful memorial, and can be designed and engraved in a nearly endless variety of shapes and inscription styles that will suit any family’s wishes and budgets.
Flush markers are flat memorials made from granite, or bronze plaques mounted to a granite base. Flush markers are available in the same granite color selections and inscription styles as upright monuments. Bronze plaques can be cast with a wide variety of design borders and may incorporate customized inscriptions and custom artwork. Flush markers are usually less expensive than upright monuments and still offer a high quality, lasting memorial for loved ones. Flush markers give cemeteries an open, park-like appearance and are required in some areas of our cemeteries.
Bronze vases are available for placement on or near upright monuments and flush markers, as well as for mausoleum crypts and cremation niches. Bronze vases are normally included in the purchase price of these items because they are so popular. They can be directly attached to monuments, niche and crypt faces, or installed directly in front of flush markers. Permanent vases help prevent the tipping and breakage associated with wire supported or cement flower containers and help to secure real and artificial flowers on windy days. For gravesites that do not already have vases affixed, they can be ordered separately and will be mounted for you by our cemetery staff.
Cremation urns, also called burial urns, come in an almost unlimited variety of styles and materials. Bronze, marble and wood urns are the most popular. We recommend bronze or marble urns for their beauty and durability, but our staff will be happy to assist you in selecting an urn in any style and material that you find appealing and within your budget. Two very popular styles are shown below. Wooden urns, when selected, require an outer concrete container for in-ground burial. These can be purchased through the cemetery at a minimal cost.
Burial vaults are outer containers for caskets, usually made of concrete, and are required for in-ground burials. Vaults are available in a variety of styles and price ranges. Two of the most popular at our cemeteries are shown above. Concrete vaults provide protection for the casket or urn, and stabilize the ground surface to prevent tilting or sinking of the monument or grave marker. Our cemetery staff can show you vaults that are available to you, and help you select the one that best suits your needs and budget.