FAQs

May Non-Catholics be Buried in Calvary Cemetery?

Yes, Since Vatican II, Canon Law has stated that all human beings are children of God and deserve a respectful burial united with the community in memorialization. This evolution of thought seeks to be inclusive of all people in the ultimate practice of God’s Word directing us to love one another as ourselves.

May Non-Catholic family members be buried in Calvary Cemetery?
Of course! Family members who are not Catholic, including spouses, children, parents, may be buried in our cemetery in order to maintain family unity even in death.
May former Catholics and non-practicing Catholics be buried in Calvary Cemetery?
Reconciliation is the hope of the Church even in death. A former, inactive or non-practicing Catholic may be buried in Calvary cemetery.

Q: Is cremation an option that is approved of by the Catholic Church?
             A: Yes! See Cremation and the Catholic Church for more details. Calvary offers an increasing number of options for those who choose cremation. Call the office at 937-293-1221 or e-mail info@ccadayton.org.

Q: How many burials have been made at Calvary since it’s establishment in 1872?
              A: To date, just over 75,000. This figure includes over 4,000 burials that were transferred here from St. Henry Cemetery of Dayton after it’s closure in the late 1800s. Over the last decade Calvary has averaged approximately 675 burials annually.

Q: Does Calvary still allow upright monuments?
             A: Yes, we offer a variety of memorial options which still include traditional upright Monuments.

Q: Is there a law or ordinance that says a burial vault or other outer container must be used?
             A: Not in Ohio, however in most cases you will find this is a requirement of the individual cemeteries to support the ground due to equipment traffic such as tractors, trucks, mowers, etc. A concrete or steel vault to contain a casket is a requirement at Calvary Cemetery. Calvary does offer selection of burial vaults.