A Sacred Place of Hope and Remembrance
Catholic cemeteries and columbaria are sacred grounds where the faithful are laid to rest in the hope of the resurrection. Catholic burial practices reflect our belief in eternal life and the communion of saints.
Whether planning ahead or responding to a recent loss, the church walks with families, offering guidance, compassion and pastoral care.
Catholic Burial Traditions is a national resource to help families learn more about the history and process of Catholic burials.
Catholic Cemeteries
There are no Catholic cemeteries in the Atlanta metro area available for burial. Your local parish may be able to direct you to a nearby cemetery that is a resting place for many parishioners.
Some private cemeteries have Catholic sections, but you are not limited to those areas. The Catholic priest or deacon will bless the ground during interment.
Historic Catholic cemeteries within the Archdiocese of Atlanta include:
- Budapest Cemetery, located east of Tallapoosa on Budapest Cemetery Road off Hwy 78. Responsibility for this cemetery has been relinquished by the Archdiocese of Atlanta to a member of the family that previously owned it. It is not accepting burials (closed).
- Locust Grove Cemetery, located three miles from Sharon. This is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Georgia. It is listed on the national registry as a historic site. It is not accepting burials (closed).
- Purification Cemetery, across the street from Purification Station Church. The cemetery is one third full but is limited to descendants only.
- Sparta Cemetery, located in Sparta. There are no further burials (closed).
- St. Patrick’s Cemetery, located in Washington, GA. It is the site of St. Joseph Orphanage. Fifty sisters are buried there. They are only accepting burials of parishioners from St. Joseph Church in Washington.
Catholic Columbaria
A columbarium is a structure that is appropriately respectful, where the earthly remains (ashes) of church members receive care in perpetuity and located on church property. Many people find great comfort knowing their ashes are near good people in a religious environment.
Columbaria are available at the following parishes. Please contact them directly for information on availability.
- All Saints Church, Dunwoody
- St. Ann’s Church, Marietta
- Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Brookhaven
- St. Lawrence Church, Lawrenceville
- St. Helena Church, Clayton
- St. Brigid Church, Johns Creek
- St. Mary’s Church, Rome
- Good Shepherd Church, Cumming
- St. Brendan the Navigator Church, Cumming
- St. John Neumann Church, Lilburn
- St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Snellville
- St. Peter’s Church, LaGrange
Resources
Spaces for Cremated Remains of the Body in and Around Catholic Churches
February 12, 2026
Office of Canonical Affairs
The Office of Canonical Affairs aids the archbishop, chancery staff, pastors and clergy in the Archdiocese of Atlanta in matters of canon law, excluding marriage.
To contact our office, visit the Chancery Directory.
