Flower Policy

Catholic Cemeteries recognize families' desire to honor their loved ones who are interred in our cemeteries. We have established the following rules and regulations to ensure visitors' safety and maintain the cemetery's beauty and aesthetics. 

Please review this information carefully, and if you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact the cemetery office.

FRESH FLOWERS
Catholic cemeteries only allow fresh-cut flowers for placement. Artificial flowers and decorations are prohibited. The cemetery is not responsible for flowers' care, safekeeping, or condition.

VASES
Flowers are to be placed in vases approved and installed by the cemetery. Vases may be purchased through the cemetery office. Using outside vases or any other types of flower containers is not allowed. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, glass vases, ceramic jars, and plastic or clay pots.

REMOVAL
Flowers placed on gravesites, crypts, and niches will be removed every Thursday to aid in the maintenance of the cemetery. Flower removal schedules are posted at the entrances and may be obtained from the cemetery office. Exceptions to this removal schedule apply during certain holidays. Please check with the cemetery office or consult our website for the specific holiday schedules, as they may vary yearly.

FUNERAL FLOWERS
Funeral flowers will be removed two days after the funeral service or sooner to ensure visitors' safety or prevent interference with cemetery operations. Families who wish to keep the funeral flowers are encouraged to collect them from the gravesite before leaving the cemetery. Please note that the cemetery is not responsible for the care, safekeeping, or condition of flowers on the premises.

FLAGS
Catholic Cemeteries allow small United States flags to be placed in vases throughout the year as part of floral arrangements. However, there are exceptions for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, during which visitors may place small flags directly on gravesites. Please note that all flags will be removed on scheduled flower removal dates. Removed flags are handled according to the United States Government's flag-handling guidelines. Families who wish to keep their flags must remove them before the scheduled removal date. Additionally, the cemetery is not responsible for any loss or damage to flags placed on gravesites.

STANDING DECORATIONS
No standing decorations of any kind are allowed. This includes but is not limited to, potted plants, artificial flowers, helium balloons, whirligigs, pinwheels, vigil candles, toys, and other objects. Please refer to our Advent and Lent policy for potential seasonal exceptions.

Note: The Cemetery encourages using fresh-cut flowers only and advises against leaving items of sentimental value at any time.

ADHESIVES
Attaching or adhering items to Memorials, Crypts, or Niche fronts is prohibited. Glue, tape, or other adhesives can damage the surface and are strictly prohibited. If you would like to personalize your Memorial, Crypt, or Niche, religious emblems are available for purchase at the cemetery office.

PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES:

• Decorating the landscaping, trees, shrubs, lawns, statues, or other features.
• Installing decorative fencing around gravesites or creating trenches in the grass to outline boundaries.
• Using flowers, garlands, or other items to mark the boundaries of gravesites, crypts, or niches.
• Planting of trees, shrubs, grass, flowers, or any alteration of cemetery landscape.

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HOLIDAY DECORATIONS POLICY (SEE SCHEDULES)
Our cemetery policy permits families to use items not usually allowed throughout the year during Advent (Christmas) and Lent (Easter). However, it is essential to review the policy carefully, as schedules will be posted, and the cemetery will remove any unapproved items.
 
As a Catholic cemetery, all decorations must reflect and honor the religious nature and precepts of the Catholic Church. We value your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Moreover, please ensure that your gravesite decoration does not intrude upon or prevent access to other gravesites, as we strive to maintain a respectful and accessible environment for all.
 
Flowers are removed every Thursday, except during holiday periods. To prevent disappointment, we strongly advise you to check the removal schedules for significant holidays such as Mother's Day, Easter (Lent), Memorial Day, All Souls' Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (Advent).

According to the annual Lenten/Easter flower schedules, the Catholic Cemeteries allow specific special items:
 

• Christian crosses, no larger than 2.5 feet, made of Styrofoam, fabric, paper, wood, or plastic (one per space).
• Easter lilies in plastic pots (one per space).

 

• Decoration of cemetery landscaping, including trees, shrubs, lawns, statues, and other features.
• Decorative fencing around gravesites or creating trenches in the grass to outline boundaries.
• Use of flowers, garlands, or other materials to mark the boundaries of gravesites, crypts, or niches.
• Music boxes and other battery-operated or electrically powered items.
• Glass or other fragile ornaments.
• Standing decorations include Santa Claus, snowmen, candy canes, nutcrackers, Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter baskets, or artificial grass. 

 

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IMPORTANT NOTES:
It is important to note that the cemetery is not responsible for the care, maintenance, or condition of any items left on gravesites, crypts, or niches. The cemetery is not obligated to reimburse or replace any removed, broken, or stolen items from these locations.
 
The cemetery can remove flowers or decorations for ongoing operations, including funerals and maintenance. It may also remove items without prior notice if they lack explicit permission from the cemetery.
 
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. If you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch with the cemetery office.