Grave Decoration Policy
The following information is provided as guidelines for cemetery procedures.
We ask for your cooperation by visiting your loved ones in a reverent and respectful way. Please abide by these rules and regulations so that all families may feel welcome when visiting the Catholic Cemeteries.
Natural and Artificial flowers are permitted and must be in approved containers.
Please limit decorations to one per grave.
Planter boxes and containers up to 24" L x 6" H x 8" W are permitted. Total height of the decoration should not exceed 30".
All decoration items should be placed in approved planter boxes and containers. All planter boxes and containers should be of plastic or wood construction with ample drainage. Some of these containers are not suitable for the snow or a harsh winter. The cemetery will not take responsibility for damage to them.
The following decorations are not permitted:
- Candles
- Metal stands, boxes, easels, pots, shepherd hooks
- Lawn ornaments
- Glass statuary
- Evergreen blankets or grave coverings
- Landscape materials (i.e. wood, metal, stone, or paving materials)
These restrictions are necessary for your personal safety. Any violations mentioned above will be tagged immediately and removed and disposed of within 2 weeks. Special holiday decorations will be removed one week following that holiday.
Between November 1st and March 15th, when the grass is not being cut, artificial wreaths of less than 30 inches placed on stands are permitted.
Spring and Fall Major Cemetery Clean Up
March 15th - 31st is used to clean up the grounds and prepare for spring. If you wish to save your decorations, remove them on or before March 14th.
October 15th - 31st is used to clean up the grounds and prepare for fall. If you wish to save your decorations, remove them on or before October 14th.
Please do not place any decorations during these times. All decorations will be removed and disposed.
Monument Lots
Planting beds of up to 18 inches are permitted directly in front of a raised family memorial. You cannot plant behind the monument if you do not own the graves on that side. Landscape materials (i.e. wood, metal, stone, or paving materials) are strictly prohibited. Woody perennials such as: trees, bushes, or evergreens are not permitted, and they will be removed and disposed of. All plants will be cut level to the turf after October 14th.
Crosses and Flags
Small crosses and flags are permitted provided they are placed in the approved planter boxes and containers, as stated above, and do not exceed 30” in height. Decorations will be removed when and if they become tattered, faded or unsightly.
Reverence and Respect
We encourage the placement of decorations. We will be as careful as possible with our normal interment and maintenance activities. We regret that we cannot guarantee that all decorations will be free from damage or loss, and we cannot accept responsibility for these occurrences.
Please remember that cemeteries are open to the public, we are not responsible in the event that placements are moved, stolen, or damage/loss sustained from natural occurrences.
The Catholic Cemetery is a Sacred Place. These sacred grounds are blessed by the Church and dedicated as a place of prayer and dignity for our faithful departed.
Some behaviors are prohibited because they can disturb the sacredness of the cemetery.
The following are not allowed on cemetery grounds:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Grilling
- Coolers
- Loud / live music
- Picnics
- Lawn games
- Tents or canopies
- Unlicensed vehicles
- Firearms or weapons
- Pets roaming free
The Catholic Cemeteries reserves the right to change the following policies and procedures without notice.
View other information regarding Catholic Cemeteries and burial:
Interment Choices
Catholic Cemeteries offer an economical package that includes all the cemetery needs that can be added to any purchase.
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Interment Services
The interment of a deceased person requires many ongoing checks and balances to insure that no mistakes occur during this important procedure.
Read MoreCommunity Outreach
Catholic Cemeteries is committed to assist, explain and educate Catholic families, parishes and other agencies of the Archdiocese, through its outreach programs.
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