LINCOLN (SNR) – Calvary Cemetery in Lincoln will continue a new burial space “hold” policy.
Implemented in 2018, the new policy has been successful to warrant continuing, the organization announced.
The policy allows individuals and families to hold a space, or spaces, but requires them to complete a form and sign that they understand there is an expiration date to the hold. If readers believe they have had spaces on hold prior to 2019, or have not completed space hold paperwork, please contact Calvary Cemetery at 402-476-8787 to check the record and complete the new form if still interested in the spaces. If holders do not contact the office and complete the new form by Dec. 15, the hold will be removed from the record so the spaces can be released back into inventory for other individuals or families to purchase.
“The new space-hold opportunity is very generous and an act of mercy and charity for families experiencing sudden death of a loved one, or who are having financial difficulties,” explained Jackie Varicak, administrative manager/family services and sales. “It gives individuals and families the ability to have space next to loved ones and it also gives them a little extra time to save up money to purchase the spaces they desire.”
The new policy states that Calvary Catholic Cemetery will hold spaces for a period of three months, after which a purchase agreement must be initiated within the three-month period of time to guarantee the space or spaces. If another customer is interested in a held space within the three-month period, the name on the hold will be contacted and given first right of refusal. Should a purchase agreement not be initiated by the end of the three-month period, the space will be released back into inventory for the need of other families.
A space may be held an additional three months if the holder calls, writes, emails or makes a personal visit to the Calvary Cemetery office within five business days past the expiration date, and requests an extension of the hold. If contact is made and the extension is approved, the hold will be extended another three months.
The price of spaces is not put on hold or locked in by the agreement, Varicak pointed out. Pricing is based on the prices in effect the day a purchase agreement is initiated. Once the purchase agreement is signed, the price in effect on that date will be locked in until the death of the person to be buried in the space.
A three-month waiting period is required at the end of the three- to six-month hold date before a new space hold agreement can be made. A new agreement will need to be initiated by the customer by calling, writing, emailing or by personal visit to the Calvary Cemetery office within five business days past the expiration date of the waiting period.
It is important, she reiterated, if one believes they have space on hold at Calvary Cemetery but have never completed the required paperwork, to contact Calvary staff to complete the new policy form.
“Any old space holds that were not initiated by the new policy will be expired after Dec. 15, if the records and required signatures are not updated with the new official policy,” she said. “This policy includes all types of spaces including traditional and cremation spaces.”
Please call 402-476-8787 with questions and to visit with staff regarding the new process.
