The Archdiocese of Chicago has introduced a new "natural burial" option at one of its cemeteries, marking a significant first for Catholic offerings in Illinois. This environmentally conscious alternative will be available at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, located approximately 25 miles outside of Chicago, according to the archdiocese's recent press release.

Natural burials, also known as "green" burials, are gaining traction across the U.S., including within Catholic cemeteries. These burials prioritize minimal resource use, such as opting for steel-free caskets and foregoing the concrete vaults typically used in modern burials. The archdiocese highlighted that natural burials are designed to "allow the body to return to the earth naturally," emphasizing simplicity and environmental stewardship.

At St. Michael Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois, the archdiocese has dedicated a specific area for these natural burials, named the “Meadows of St. Kateri” in honor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint recognized by the Catholic Church. This section of the cemetery will feature winding walking paths, native vegetation, and a mix of meadow and forest landscapes.

Burials in this area can be commemorated with several options, including a flush lawn-level memorial, an engraved boulder, or a boulder with a bronze nameplate. Ted Ratajczyk, the executive director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago, expressed pride in offering a burial option that aligns with Catholic values and environmental concerns, saying it reflects the archdiocese’s commitment to respecting the dignity of life, community needs, and faith values.

Interest in natural burials has been rising in the U.S. due to concerns over the environmental and financial implications of traditional burial practices. The death care industry in the U.S., encompassing funerals and burials, is both resource-intensive and financially substantial, with the National Funeral Directors Association reporting that the industry generated approximately $16 billion annually, including $3.3 billion from cemeteries and crematories. Traditional cemeteries are known to use vast amounts of steel for coffins and millions of gallons of embalming fluids.

The Archdiocese of Chicago describes natural burials as "a return to tradition," emphasizing their alignment with both environmental responsibility and Catholic teachings.