Cemetery Policies

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. Flags are permitted provided they are placed in the approved containers stated above and conform to the overall height restrictions not to exceed 30 inches (including container). Flags that become tattered, faded or unsightly will be respectfully removed and properly disposed.

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)
• Outlining of graves or monuments with decorative stones, border edging, fences, or any type of enclosure

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.

MONUMENT LOT DECORATION POLICY

Planting beds of up to 18" 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) or outlining of memorials (i.e. decorative stones, border edging, fences, or any type of enclosure) are strictly prohibited.

Woody perennials such as: trees, bushes, or evergreens are not permitted and they will be removed and disposed. All plants will be cut level to the turf after October 14th. 

GARDEN CRYPT AND NICHE DECORATION POLICY

The following information is provided as guidelines for cemetery procedures. The Catholic Cemeteries reserves the right to change the following policies and procedures without notice. Please limit decorations to one per crypt or niche.

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ARE PERMITTED AND MUST BE IN APPROVED CONTAINERS.

Containers must be made of wood or plastic with ample drainage. Flower boxes must not exceed 6" WIDE x 6" LONG x 11" HIGH.

Decorations can only be placed in areas designated for them.

Any items such as metal, crockery, glass or similar materials are not permitted, as they present hazards due to breakage and cause rust stains on the decoration facilities provided. Candles of any kind are not permitted. Special holiday decorations will be removed one week following that holiday. All decoration items should be contained within the approved boxes specified above. Overall height of decorations (including container) should not exceed 30 inches.

Flags are permitted provided they are placed in the approved containers stated above and conform to the overall height restrictions not to exceed 30 inches (including container). Flags that become tattered, faded or unsightly will be respectfully removed and properly disposed.

Do not tape, attach or affix objects to the fronts of the crypts or niches. No decorations are permitted in the Indoor Community Mausoleums.

CREMATION GARDEN 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.

To maintain a neat and uncluttered appearance in the garden, the decorations that are placed in the garden will be checked periodically and any dead or unsightly decorations will be removed and disposed. Any decorations that do not conform to the above rules and regulations will also be removed and disposed.

• Please limit decorations to one per lot.
• Black or bronze shepherd’s hooks not to exceed 60 inches high and containing only one hook are permitted. They may not be homemade and must be placed firmly in the ground adjacent to your memorial.
• Pin vases with artificial flowers are permitted (live flowers are not permitted because standing water can lead to increased mosquito growth).
• Flower pots of 6 to 8 inches in diameter are permitted. Height of entire decoration not to exceed 18 inches.
• All containers should be constructed of wood or plastic.
• All additional decorations items (such as flags, statues, flameless candles, or other personal items) must be contained in the flower container and not placed directly into the ground.
• Catholic Cemetery Memorial Portraits may be affixed to most of the cremation memorials. Please contact the office for more information.
• Bronze Veteran's medallions provided by the Veteran’s Administration are permitted.
• No other items may be affixed to the cremation memorials.
• Candles are not permitted.
• Bird feeders and wind chimes are not permitted.
• Removing, changing, added to or altering the natural landscape of trees, plants, mulch etc. is not permitted.
• Please refrain from feeding the Koi fish (at the Cremation Garden of St. Francis at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL)

The following behaviors are PROHIBITED because they may disturb the sacredness of the Cemetery and other visitors:

• Picnics, parties, or celebrations
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coolers
• Grilling
• Tents or canopies
• Lawn games
• Loud or live music
• Firearms or weapons
• Unlicensed vehicles
• Pets roaming free

Our Indoor Mausoleums are sacred spaces, thoughtfully designed to offer a tranquil environment for prayer, remembrance, and reflection. To preserve the dignity, cleanliness, and respectful atmosphere all families deserve, we kindly ask every visitor to comply with our established policies during their time in the mausoleum.

• No animals, except for certified service animals.
• No food and beverages 
• No music/radios
• No decorations, live flowers, or affixing objects to crypt/niche fronts (other than those authorized by Catholic Cemeteries)

RESPECT OTHER VISITORS

Cemeteries are a sacred place of prayer and reflection, many who visit are mourning the loss of a loved one. Please do NOT cause a disturbance and conduct yourself respectfully at all times.

DRIVE RESPONSIBLY

For your safety and the safety of other visitors, please remain alert on Cemetery roads. Obey the posted signs and speed limits, watch for visitors and Cemetery staff. Do NOT try to cut through a funeral procession.

Additional Cemetery Etiquette

• Dress accordingly. Please wear proper attire and be fully clothed at all times.
• Refrain from filming/photographing people and any identifying names/dates on markers and monuments. For editorial or commercial requests, please contact the Cemetery office.
• Refrain from walking over graves or leaning on headstones. This can cause damage and is seen as disrespectful.
• Refrain from letting children wander without supervision, it may disturb the peace for other visitors. If children are not being supervised, they may get hurt. Please keep them in your sight at all times.
• Keep a respectful distance away from other burial services and mourners, do not disrupt a funeral procession or service.