Mausoleum Niche Options

While a funeral and burial are times of sadness and grief, there is also joy in the Catholic belief that they represent the passing of a loved one into eternal life.

As options for families who choose St. Mary’s Cemetery as their loved one’s final resting place, 160 additional above-ground niches have been added in the mausoleum at the western end of the property. Each niche holds two cremains. More than 20 percent of these niches have already been sold. If you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining niches, you have the option of making a 10% down payment, and they paying your remaining balance in monthly installments.

Mausoleums offer a cost-effective alternative to in-ground burial. Entombment in a mausoleum also saves on ground use.

To purchase a mausoleum niche or burial spot at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, contact Cemetery Director Daniel Rinow at (716) 683-6445, extension 34, or [email protected].

Cremation as an Option for Catholics

  • The Eucharistic celebration, prayer and hymns are typically part of Catholic funerals.
  • Cremation is now recognized and accepted by the Catholic Church. When there is a cremation, it usually takes place after the Funeral Mass.
  • Currently in the United States, about one-third of bodies are cremated. The percentage is as high as 50 in more heavily populated states, which tend to be more “land conscious, ” as cremation is more environmentally friendly in this regard.
  • While there has been some controversy in recent years regarding pollution released into the air by cremation ovens, many crematories have effectively addressed this issue. They are working toward containing pollution through such steps as the elimination of embalming fluid.
  • Advantages of cremation include lower cost, as interment and related fees are less than those associated with a casket burial.

The St. Mary’s Cemetery has served the parish and the Lancaster community since 1836. Its existence pre-dates even the original Church building, which was dedicated in 1851.