FAQs

FAQs image

COMMON FAQs

Why choose a Catholic Mortuaries facility?
How much does a funeral cost?
How do people pay for funerals?
Is everything included in the mortuary services price quote I receive from a Catholic Mortuaries facility?
Can I make my funeral arrangements in advance?
Why are some caskets or urns more expensive than others?
What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Can a mortuary assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
As a Catholic may I be cremated?
When should the cremation take place?
What is the proper container for cremated remains?
What are the steps between notice of death and cremation?
How do I make my cremation wishes known?
When a death occurs, what should my family do?

Why choose a Catholic Mortuaries facility?
Catholic Mortuaries is the only provider to be honored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with the exclusive authority to operate mortuary facilities at Archdiocesan cemeteries. As a result, Catholic Mortuaries can offer you the convenience of mortuary services at the same location as the cemetery services.

How much does a funeral cost?
We take special pride in helping people create funeral plans that meet their emotional needs and financial concerns. The price of a funeral depends on the Parish Package and options you select. To learn more about packages and options, please click on 'Service Options' above.

How do people pay for funerals?
Naturally, funeral costs may also be paid by cash, checks, VISA, or MasterCard or an assignment of verified insurance benefits at the time of need. One popular method of payment is with the proceeds of a whole life insurance policy purchased specifically to fund a funeral. To learn about Preplanning, and the full range of payment options, please call us at 888-416-6440 and ask to speak to our counselor or click here to contact us by e-mail.

Is everything included in the mortuary services price quote I receive from a Catholic Mortuaries facility?
Yes - and when you receive a quote from one of our facilities, all charges are itemized so you know exactly what mortuary services you will be receiving for the quoted price. To help make it easy for you to understand your price and service level options, we developed our Parish Packages. With these complete traditional funeral and cremation packages, each with a different level of built-in savings, you pay a single price for a funeral in the Catholic tradition.

Can I make my funeral arrangements in advance?
Prearrangement and prepayment are very popular options. Prearranging gives you a chance to make sure that your services match your preferences. It also gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything has been taken care of and that your family won't have to cope with a big emotional and financial burden. Preplanning is a chance to purchase at today's cost. There are many ways to prearrange and prepay, and one of our experienced staff would be happy to help you explore options. Simply call Catholic Mortuaries at 1-888-416-6440 or click here to contact us by email to speak with a counselor.

Why are some caskets or urns more expensive than others?
Casket prices vary, depending on level of workmanship and detail as well as the cost of the exterior and interior materials used. As an example, walnut is more expensive than pine and bronze is more expensive than steel. The price of urns is likewise dependent on workmanship and materials. In order to meet the needs of the families we serve, each of our mortuaries offers caskets and urns across a range of styles and prices.

What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Embalming is a temporary preservation technique that is traditionally used when a viewing is planned. It is our policy to require embalming if the body is to be viewed at a visitation or funeral service.

Can a mortuary assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
Our staff is familiar with most types of benefits and trained to help you complete the paperwork necessary to begin the benefits application process. Because of the volume of applications we complete, we have developed a special expertise in this area.

As a Catholic may I be cremated?
Cremation has been permitted since 1963 so long as it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching. In 1997 the National Conference of Bishops and the Holy See authorized the celebration of a funeral Liturgy with the ashes of the deceased present, subject to the authority of the Diocesan Bishop. In 1998, the Archbishop of Los Angeles delegated authority to each pastor to determine whether or not it is pastorally appropriate to celebrate the Liturgy, for the dead, with or without mass, with the cremated remains of the deceased present.

When should the cremation take place?
The Church strongly prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body present. However, when circumstances prevent the presence of the body at the funeral mass, it is appropriate that the cremated remains be present for the full course of funeral rites.

What is the proper container for cremated remains?
The U.S. Bishop's Committee on the Liturgy requires appropriate and worthy vessels for cremated remains. We offer a variety of containers.

What are the steps between notice of death and cremation?
In the event of death, loved ones call us toll-free at 1-800-983-6726. We coordinate with the attending physician or medical examiner to secure a complete signed death certificate before we take the deceased into our care. We then contact civil and medical authorities to obtain the permits necessary for cremation. If the deceased has a plan on file with one of our facilities, their pre-authorization for cremation is on file. For those who have not prearranged, we must obtain authorization to cremate from next of kin or someone with the legal right to authorize cremation. If no objections to the cremation have been raised and a minimum of 48 hours has transpired since death occurred, cremation can take place. The Church strongly prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body present. However, when circumstances prevent the presence of the body at the funeral mass, it is appropriate that the cremated remains be present for the full course of funeral rites.

How do I make my cremation wishes known?
If you desire a cremation service, you can make these wishes known in your Will and in documents designed to help plan and prepare your funeral. If you have completed the prearrangement process, your authorization for cremation will be on file at the facility where you made your arrangements.

When a death occurs, what should my family do?
In the event of a death of a loved one, please contact Catholic Mortuaries toll-free at 1-800-983-6726. We are prepared to respond to your call 24 hours of every day. Once you contact us, we will make the necessary arrangements and notifications to take your deceased loved one into our care.