As the old adage goes there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. Common perception is that there is nothing we can do about either, Uncle Sam will continue to reach into our pockets and the grim reaper will at some point come knocking.

However, as we welcome this new decade Catholic Cremation and Funeral Services (CFCS), a Ministry of the Diocese of Oakland has introduced a new program that challenges these preconceptions. Our new donation program allows us to take a little back from good old Uncle Sam.

CFCS is a charitable organization that is tax exempt, as such goods bought from us may entitle you to a tax deduction. Our donation program applies to any of our six cemeteries and the Mausoleum at the Cathedral of Christ the Light.

Essentially, CFCS assigns a burial right value to each crypt or niche and the amount paid over this amount is the charitable donation amount. Robert Seelig, Director of CFCS, compares the logistics of the program to a charitable dinner, “You buy a $100 dinner ticket and the value of the meal is not deductible as a donation, however, the amount over the value of the dinner is deductible.  So if the meal cost $35 than you have a $65 donation.”

The donation program would work as follows for a glass front niche. The burial right for a glass fronted niche would cost $3000, including a $1000 tax deductible donation. Thus, offering a savings of $1000. Fees of course will vary by location and memorial options. As Seelig explained, “Everyone wants the best location. So pricing is similar to getting seats at a ball game. The crypts that are higher up are less expensive. However, we always remind our families that they are closer to heaven.”

Of course, when you buy a ticket to a charitable dinner you know exactly where your money is going. Mr. Seelig explained that with the CFCS donation program “the donation goes to the cemeteries' and Cathedral’s endowments which maintains the splendor of the sites. A significant portion of the donations will also go to the Diocese of Oakland to help fund good works of the church.” Programs include the Order of Malta Health Clinic, a medical clinic for the uninsured and the Legal Justice Center, which provides pro bono legal advice and community education. Also Catholic Charities help feed the homeless and fund education programs in our community. “Giving back to the community has always been a great source of pride for our organization. Now, with this new program we can give back to the people who all make this possible, our families,” Seelig added.

Seelig also pointed out that there is precedent for this program; both the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Archdiocese of Detroit have utilized the donation concept. Ultimately, Seelig sees this as a program that will remove some of the burden from families coping with loss. “In these trying economic times everyone is looking to save a little here and there. Our donation program is advantageous to families who are pre-planning and those who are making arrangements for a loved one at their time of need, as both would be entitled to receive a tax deduction.”

Seelig continued, “Here at CFCS we are constantly trying to make our services more affordable so that everyone in our community can have a dignified and sacred resting place. The donation program allows us to reach that goal and also allows our families to be inextricably tied to improving their community by supporting the good works of the Diocese.” So not only will your arrangements be more affordable as Uncle Sam will be helping you pay for it but it will also come with the added bonus of allowing you to aid works. Death at a discount…sounds too good to pass up.

###

If you would like more information, please contact Stephanie Sloane at (510) 581-2425 ext. 16 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .