What is Pre-Planning?

Graveyard Ellicott City, MD

What is pre-planning? 
Pre-planning is making your cemetery and funeral arrangements prior to your death. This allows your wishes to be known, thus eliminating an incredible burden on your loved ones during the very stressful and painful hours after your death. Pre-planning is a concrete sign of your love for your family.


What are the benefits of pre-planning? 
The most obvious benefit is that you will relieve your loved ones of the burden of making your cemetery and funeral arrangements at a time of tremendous grief. Your advance planning will give your family the guidance they need to feel comfortable that they are carrying out the decisions you made.

Pre-planning may prevent disagreement among family at an emotionally charged time and can assure that emotional over-spending does not occur. By pre-planning and pre-funding cemetery and funeral arrangements, you may be creating exempt assets should you ever have to go on public assistance. 

The costs of cemetery property have been escalating at the rate of 100% every ten years. By purchasing in advance, you are locking in a today’s pricing. 

At what age should I consider pre-planning cemetery and funeral arrangements? 
Adults of any age who make their own decisions should have a plan. Like your will, it can be revised throughout your life as needs change. In general, the earlier you preplan the more options you have. Your cemetery and funeral options will probably never cost less than they do today. Statistic show that 43% of all deaths are unexpected; we are not guaranteed any tomorrows. 

In our culture, few families are comfortable discussing death and loss. This is just one of those things that does not get easier as time goes by. Now is the best time for you to get your plan in order. 

Why should I choose to be buried in a Catholic cemetery? 
First and foremost, Catholic cemeteries are a vital part of our Church’s heritage of caring for and burying the bodies of the dead in blessed ground — one of the corporal works of mercy. 

Catholic cemeteries are an extension of the ministry provided in your parish community. Catholic cemeteries are gathering places of remembrance, consolation and support. Religious symbols, which are expressive of our heritage of faith, are seen throughout our the cemeteries. A caring staff dedicated to the mission of serving God’s people tend the grounds and offices.
 
Choosing a Catholic cemetery as a final resting place is a statement of your belief that, even in death, the people of God await the resurrection of the body and everlasting life. New Cathedral Cemetery gives you a place where your loved ones can come to remember you and all generations past and future. 

What are my cemetery options? 
New Cathedral Cemetery offers traditional and cremation options as well as above ground crypts and private family mausoleums. Our newest addition, "The Garden at New Cathedral" features many popular cremation interment options.