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Your Catholic Cemeteries have developed a comprehensive set of Rules and Regulations which are available to the general public upon request. The Floral and Planting Regulations and Memorialization tend to raise the most questions among cemetery's customers. Because of the potential impacts to our families, we have created Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for both these subjects.
Floral and planting regulations
Flowers and other decorations are an important part of remembering our loved ones. Your Catholic Cemeteries make every attempt to balance this important and healing tradition while balancing the safety of our customers with the ability to maintain the cemetery, especially during the mowing season. The Rules and Regulations regarding decorations apply to all your Catholic Cemeteries.
Can I plant flowers and trees on cemetery property?
Only the Cemetery is authorized to plant and maintain plantings or landscape materials on cemetery grounds. This is important so that the grounds can be maintained in a uniform manner. The Cemetery also has the right to remove, prune or replace any landscape materials as it deems necessary.
What are the general floral regulations?
Fresh flowers are welcome anytime of the year and will not generally be removed unless they no longer look fresh. Potted plants with a container of more than six inches in diameter are not allowed except during designated holidays.
No wires, pins, glass containers, artificial, dyed or preserved flowers, photographs, souvenirs, wreaths or decorations other than fresh flowers are allowed on any grave except during holidays designated by the Cemetery.
The Cemetery has the right to remove all flowers, photographs, souvenirs, potted plants, wreaths or herbage of any kind from the cemetery or mausoleum as soon as, in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee, they become unsightly or are detrimental, or when they do not conform to the standards and Rules and Regulations of the Cemetery.
Can I have a flower holder or receptacle on the grave?
Yes, but only certain types are allowed. This is a safety issue. Flower receptacles may be placed on any plot, if they are approved by the Cemetery. No more than two flower receptacles may be placed on any grave.
What about special holiday decorations?
Artificial, dyed or preserved flowers, photographs, souvenirs, potted plants, wreaths or decorations may be removed 5 days after the designated holiday during the spring, summer and fall months and 10 days after designated holidays in Winter months in order to facilitate mowing during the growing season. Glass or other breakable materials are prohibited at all times.
Are there any special regulations that apply to the Mausoluems?
We ask that no type of tape or adhesive is ever placed on crypt of niche fronts to avoid damage and staining. Placement of photographs, souvenirs, potted plants, wreaths or floral designs on the crypts or floor of the mausoleum is strictly forbidden.
Glass of any type is not allowed anywhere in the mausoleum or niche areas for safety reasons.
FAQs about cemetery memorialization (headstones and monuments)
Do the Catholic Cemeteries sell monuments and headstones?
All of your Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries offer granite headstones and monuments that meet the requirements of your Catholic Cemeteries. We do not ordinarily sell monuments for persons interred in other cemeteries.
Can I buy my headstone from another vendor?
Yes. Some Catholic Cemetery customers choose to buy their monuments from funeral homes or off site vendors. If your vendor does not offer marker setting services, your catholic cemeteries can perform this service for a fee. For liability reasons, families may not set their own markers. In order to protect our customers, your catholic cemeteries require that a form be completed and submitted by the vendor showing that the grave owner has given permission for the stone to be set.
Do monuments and headstones have to meet any special requirements?
The cemeteries have rules and regulations (available upon request) related to their monuments and their foundations to ensure appropriate maintenance, uniformity and safety for our customers. For example, only certain sizes of flat markers are allowed and all must be made from 4" thick granite.
Only designated graves may have upright monuments and upright monuments require foundations that are able to withstand the weight of these heavier upright monuments.
Why should I consider buying my monument from our Catholic Cemeteries?
Your Catholic Cemeteries have assumed responsibility for caring for your loved one's grave. It is only natural that you should place your memorial under the same personal care and attention that your Catholic Cemeteries receive.
Your Catholic Cemeteries' staff is familiar with your lot and its requirements and is trained to handle your memorial placement.
Your Catholic Cemeteries purchase memorials direct from the manufacturer, so there are no middlemen. Profits are used to help maintain the cemetery.
Your Catholic Cemeteries will assume responsibility for any damage which occurs during shipping or installation of monuments purchased through their offices.
Your Catholic Cemeteries will retain copies of your order information along with all your other important records at our offices.
Can a government-provided veteran's headstone be placed in our Catholic Cemeteries?
Yes. These memorials may require the addition of a concrete border to meet our regulations. Your Catholic Cemetery staff can assist customers in ordering a veteran's monument from the government if you are eligible. The granite headstone is free but bordering and setting fees do apply but are offered at a discounted rate.