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Cemetery Rules & Regulations

- Based on an extended review by a team of diocesan cemetery managers, the following regulations have been adopted with the goal of providing a dignified and prayerful environment for each of our diocesan-operated Catholic cemeteries. Please note that management reserves the right to address, without notice, any infringement of these regulations which may be deemed to be a safety concern to visitors or employees, or detrimental to the overall atmosphere and appearance of the cemetery.
- Animals
  Except for service dogs, animals are not permitted on cemetery grounds
- Cemetery Hours
  Sunrise to sunset daily.
- Flags
  Flags may be placed on lots beginning one week before Memorial Day through Flag Day (June 14). The cemetery will remove ALL American flags after Flag Day. If your flag did not come from the cemetery or a veteran’s group, we suggest you remove it yourself to be sure it does not get picked up with the other flags.
  All flags must be placed next to the main above-ground monument only. Flags are not permitted next to any individual marker, flush or raised, as it impedes mowing and trimming operations. Exceptions may be made for sections or graves with no monument privileges.
  Note that flags for Memorial Day are placed by volunteers wherever they see a veteran's marker. Flags are available at the cemetery office in the event your loved one does not have a military marker. Please note that military markers are provided free of charge from the VA. Please contact the cemetery office to inquire as to whether your veteran qualifies for this benefit.
- Flower Urns and Vases
  Flat memorial and columbarium sections do not have planting or permanent decoration privileges. Containers in flat marker sections may be removed without notice.
  To facilitate lawn maintenance, flower urns, vases, planters, boxes, or baskets must be sturdy, without sharp edges, durable, in good condition, and placed as follows:
  One item in front of the main above-ground monument, in the "planting area" as defined below; (or where the monument would go if no above-ground monument exists).
  One item on either end of the main above-ground monument (2 items total). Items must have a sturdy base that allows for and tolerates lawn maintenance equipment. Items with a pole or stake-type base are not allowed due to the use of weed trimming equipment which can become entangled with pole-type hangers. Please note that each grave space is approximately 3 feet wide. Single lots often have no room for anything on the sides of the monument.
  Artificial decorations (plastic or silk) are allowed but must be in good condition and placed in a container, not directly in the ground, and placed as noted above.
- Monuments
  Some cemetery sections are designated for flat memorials only. Upright granite monument sections allow for one upright monument per lot, not per individual space. For instance, a four grave lot can have one upright monument. If you have four graves, designated as two two-grave lots, you can have two smaller, upright monuments. Additional granite or bronze markers that are flush to the ground are also permitted. Consult with cemetery staff as to what type of memorial is permitted in your particular section.
  Monuments, markers, flower vases, statues, and all decorations are the personal property of the family. The cemetery is not responsible for any damage or theft of these items.
  The new St. Dominic and Our Lady of Sorrows sections are laid out to have rows of cemetery-installed plantings between the memorial stone rows. Please ensure all engravings are on the front of the memorial.
- Other Ornaments
  Statues are allowed if they are: a) part of, or attached to your monument; or b) religious in nature and located:
  inside your planting area, or
  at the side of the stone, with a square granite or similar base, set next to and square with the stone.
  Stones, crushed rock, shells, lawn ornaments, glass containers or ornaments, tin cans, or any other such items are not permitted.
  Please note! Statues are a favorite target of thieves and vandals. As a minimum precaution, write or etch your name &/or the lot information indelibly on the bottom of the statue.
- Planting Area
  The "planting area" is restricted to the front of the main, above-ground, monument. A management approved waiver to this may be obtained if the family lot has burials both in front of and behind the monument.
  Plantings may extend up to 14 inches outwards and may not extend beyond the sides of the monument. A short, solid border of scalloped concrete edging blocks around your planting area is allowed, running from one corner of the stone, square or arc, then back to the other edge of the monument.
  Plantings or decorations are not permitted around any individual markers, flush or raised, unless they are located where a headstone would otherwise be positioned.
  Fencing and other easily broken barriers made of plastic, wood, or other materials are not permitted.
  Bushes of any type are not permitted. Six grave, or larger, lots in the OLD cemetery may be granted a waiver. Please consult with management.)
  Shepherd hooks, hanging plants, or any type of hanging ornaments or decorations are not permitted.
  Choose plantings that will tolerate occasional impact with mowers and trimmers.
  Be advised of the wildlife that inhabit the cemetery grounds. Choose plantings that are resistant to these animals.
- Seasonal Decorations
  Please be sure decorations meet the guidelines below. Reusable decorations should be removed by the dates indicated. Out-of-season decorations may be removed, without notice, and discarded. Wreaths placed by the cemetery may be removed earlier than April 1. All decorations, seasonal and otherwise, must fall in line with the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church.
  Summer decorations - cutoff date for removal November 1.
  Winter decorations - cutoff date for removal April 1.
- Vigil Lights
  Due to safety issues and concerns, vigil lights of any kind are not permitted.
- Winter Months
  Roads may be hazardous during the winter months and in inclement weather conditions. Use extreme caution if and when entering the cemetery under these conditions. The cemetery will not be held responsible for injury throughout the winter months.