The simple, dignified wooden caskets and cremation burial urns offered by Monastery Caskets emphasize the dignity which the Church places upon Christian burial and the treatment of the remains of a loved one. Our beautiful hand crafted funeral products reflect the Gospel values of compassion, dignity, reverence, respect, simplicity and gentleness while affirming our blessed hope in the resurrection. They are a visible expression of our desire to seek, love and serve God that in all things, even in death, God be glorified. By purchasing a casket or urn from Monastery Caskets, you share in the ongoing work and ministry of our contemplative community of Benedictine monks while honoring the dead as we await the return of the Lord on the great day of judgement.

Do the monks make the caskets and urns themselves?

Monastery Caskets is a cooperative effort between our monastery and Saint Meinrad Archabbey. We obtain the caskets and urns from Saint Merinrad. They are hand crafted by local woodworkers, following the specifications and expectations of the monks. We believe that Monastery Caskets reflects well on our monastery and our values as Benedictine monks.

Will my funeral home permit me to purchase a casket or urn and have it delivered to the funeral home? Will there be an extra charge for this by the funeral home?

A 1994 ruling by the Federal Trade Commission called "The Funeral Rule" guarantees and safeguards your freedom to purchase a casket or urn and have it delivered to the funeral home for use. A funeral home or mortuary may not refuse or charge you an additional fee to handle a casket or urn purchased elsewhere. Professional funeral providers will be happy to receive your casket or urn from Monastery Caskets.

Will the casket or urn arrive in time at the funeral home?

On-time delivery is among the highest priorities of Monastery Caskets. Full attention is given to the most exacting of arrangement details. We provide options for ground or air express delivery. We use reputable, experienced local and national shipping companies whether the delivery is to be made across town or across the nation. Monastery Caskets will make all necessary shipping and delivery arrangements with you, the funeral home and the shipper.

Can I purchase a casket now for later use?

Monastery Caskets offers the option of pre-need purchase of all caskets. The casket can be selected and purchased in advance so that at the time of need the family or friends simply contact the Monastery for immediate delivery to the selected funeral home. An installment payment plan is available for all pre-need purchases. Pre-need purchases are fully secure and bonded. Monastery Caskets is licensed and certified as a pre-need provider by the State of Illinois.