Green Burial in Central Texas - A natural, reverent way to return to the earth
At Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery & Prayer Gardens in Georgetown, Texas, green burial is offered as a simple, prayerful, and environmentally mindful form of Christian burial.
Green burial allows the body to return to the earth naturally, without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete burial vaults. Instead, the person is laid to rest in a biodegradable casket or natural burial shroud, in keeping with the ancient Christian understanding that the body is sacred and that death is not the end of life, but the passage into eternal life.
For many families, green burial feels both deeply traditional and beautifully simple: a return to the earth, entrusted to God.
What is green burial?
Green burial is a natural form of burial that seeks to reduce environmental impact and preserve the beauty of the land. The Green Burial Council describes green burial as a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact, including the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and restoration or preservation of habitat. (Green Burial Council)
At Our Lady, a green burial typically includes:
- No embalming chemicals
- No concrete or metal burial vault
- A biodegradable casket or natural burial shroud
- A peaceful grave within the cemetery’s natural prayer garden setting
- A burial that honors both the dignity of the person and the created world
Green burial is sometimes called natural burial because it allows the body to return to the earth in a simple and organic way.
Green burial and Christian faithFor Christians, burial has always carried profound meaning. We lay the body to rest with reverence because each person is made in the image and likeness of God. The body is not something to be discarded, but something to be honored.
Green burial can be a beautiful expression of this reverence. It reflects humility, simplicity, stewardship, and hope in the Resurrection.
As Scripture reminds us, life and death are part of a mystery held in God’s hands. Like a seed placed in the earth, Christian burial points toward the promise of new life.
Is green burial allowed for Catholics?
Yes. Green burial is compatible with Catholic burial when it is carried out with reverence for the body and with the rites and prayers of the Church.
Catholic tradition places great importance on burying the dead in a sacred place. The Church also teaches that, when cremation is chosen for legitimate reasons, cremated remains should be laid to rest in a sacred place such as a cemetery. (Vatican)
For families who desire simplicity and ecological care, green burial offers a way to honor Catholic tradition while also practicing good stewardship of creation.
Green burial at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery
Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery & Prayer Gardens offers green burial in a peaceful Catholic cemetery setting that is open to all faiths.
Located on 20 quiet acres in Georgetown, Texas, Our Lady includes gardens, native landscaping, walking paths, a pond, forested areas, and places for prayer and remembrance. Families who choose green burial here are choosing more than a burial space. They are choosing a sacred landscape where loved ones can be remembered in beauty, peace, and hope.
Our cemetery is also Green Burial Certified, reflecting our commitment to natural burial practices and environmentally thoughtful cemetery care.
Why families choose green burial
Families are often drawn to green burial because it is:
Simple
Green burial avoids many modern burial products and focuses on what matters most: prayer, reverence, and laying a loved one to rest.
Natural
The body is returned to the earth in biodegradable materials, without embalming chemicals or a concrete vault.
Environmentally mindful
Green burial reduces the use of non-biodegradable materials and honors the land as part of God’s creation.
Traditional
Although it may feel new to many families, green burial is closer to ancient Christian burial customs than many modern burial practices.
Personal and peaceful
Families often find comfort in the simplicity of green burial and the natural beauty of the cemetery grounds.
Green burial options
Our Lady can help families consider green burial options such as:
- Full-body green burial
- Burial in a natural wood casket
- Burial in a biodegradable shroud
- Family participation in planning a simple, reverent service
- Catholic funeral rites and graveside prayers, when desired
- Preplanning a green burial space in advance
Our team can walk you through the options gently and clearly, whether you are planning ahead or making arrangements after a death.
Frequently asked questionsDoes green burial mean there is no funeral?
No. Families may still have a funeral, memorial service, graveside service, Catholic funeral rites, or other prayers according to their faith and family wishes. Green burial refers primarily to the way the body is prepared and buried.
Is embalming required?
No. Green burial does not use embalming chemicals. Families can work with a funeral home that understands natural burial preparation.
Is a casket required?
No. A green burial may use a biodegradable casket or a natural burial shroud, depending on the cemetery’s requirements and the family’s wishes.
Is a concrete vault required?
No. Green burial does not use a concrete or metal burial vault.
Can Catholics choose green burial?
Yes. Green burial can be a reverent Catholic burial option when the body is treated with dignity and laid to rest in a sacred place.
Can I preplan a green burial?
Yes. Many families choose to preplan so their wishes are known and their loved ones have guidance when the time comes.
Visit Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery
Choosing a burial place is a sacred decision. We welcome you to visit Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery & Prayer Gardens, walk the grounds, and learn more about green burial in Central Texas.
Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery & Prayer Gardens
330 Berry Lane
Georgetown, TX 78626
To learn more or schedule a tour, please contact us. We would be honored to help you consider whether green burial is right for your family.
