Flower Policy & Removal Schedules

Catholic Cemeteries understand the desire of families to pay tribute to their loved ones interred in our Cemeteries. The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure the safety of those who visit in addition to preserving the beauty and aesthetics of the cemetery.  Please review carefully and address any concerns or questions to the cemetery office.

FRESH FLOWERS
Catholic Cemeteries allow for the placement of fresh-cut flowers only. No artificial flowers or decorations are permitted. The cemetery will in no way be responsible for the care, safekeeping, or condition of flowers left on the cemetery premises. 

VASES
Flowers must be placed in vases approved by and installed by the cemetery. Vases may be purchased through the cemetery office. The cemetery does not permit the use of outside vases or any other types of flower containers. This includes but is not limited to, glass vases, crockery jars, and plastic or clay pots.  

REMOVAL
Flowers placed on gravesites, crypts, and niches will be removed every Thursday to allow for the maintenance of the cemetery. Flower removal schedules are posted at the cemetery entrances and are also available in the cemetery office. Exceptions to the removal schedule are made to accommodate Advent (Christmas) and Lent (Easter). Please check with the cemetery office regarding our Advent and Lenten Schedules as they change from year to year.

FLAGS
Catholic Cemeteries allow for the placement of small United States Flags throughout the year as part of a floral arrangement utilizing the vase. An exception is made for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, when small flags may be placed on the gravesites directly. All flags will be removed on the scheduled flower removal dates. Removed flags will be handled in accordance with United States Government flag handling guidelines. Families wishing to retain their flag must remove it prior to the scheduled removal date. The cemetery is not responsible for loss or damage to flags placed on gravesites.

STANDING DECORATIONS
No standing decorations of any kind are permitted. This includes but is not limited to, potted plants, artificial flowers, helium balloons, whirligigs, pinwheels, vigil candles, toys, and other objects. Please see our Advent and Lent policy for possible seasonal exceptions.  Note: The Cemetery encourages the use of fresh-cut flowers only and discourages leaving items of sentimental value at any time.

ADHESIVES

Adhering or attaching items to Memorials, Crypts, or Niche fronts is not permitted. The use of glue, tape, and other adhesives cause damage to the surfaces and is not permitted at any time. Should you wish to personalize your Memorial, Crypt or Niche; religious emblems are available for purchase in the cemetery office.

FUNERAL FLOWERS
Funeral Flowers are removed on the second day following the funeral service, or as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of visitors or to avoid hindrance to cemetery operations. Families wishing to keep funeral flowers are advised and encouraged to retrieve them from the gravesite before leaving the cemetery. The cemetery is in no way responsible for the care, safekeeping, or condition of flowers left on the cemetery premises.
 

The following are not permitted at any time:

• Decoration of the cemetery landscaping – e.g. trees, shrubs, lawns, statues, and features.
• Decorative fencing around gravesites or trenching of grass to outline boundaries
• Use of flowers, garland, or other items to outline the boundaries of the gravesites, crypts, or niches.

HOLIDAY FLOWER SCHEDULES (SEASONAL)
In observance of Advent (Christmas) and Lent (Easter), our policy is relaxed to allow families the opportunity to use items otherwise not permitted throughout the remainder of the year. Please review the policy carefully as schedules will be posted and any unpermitted items will be removed by the cemetery. You are reminded that this is a Catholic Cemetery and all decorations must be respectful of and non-offensive to the religious nature and precepts of the Catholic Church. It is important to remember that the individual decoration of a gravesite may not hinder access to other gravesites.

• 2.5 ft Christmas tree, tree ornaments made of plastic, fabric, wood, rubber, or paper (one per space)
• Poinsettias and other plants in plastic pots (one per space)
• Christmas Wreaths (one per space)
• Small Nativities made of plastic, fabric, wood, rubber, or paper (one per space)

• Christian Crosses no larger than 2 ½ ft made of Styrofoam, fabric, paper, wood, or plastic (one per space)
• Easter Lilies in plastic pots (one per space)

• • Decoration of the cemetery landscaping – e.g. trees, shrubs, lawns, statues, and features.
  • Decorative fencing around gravesites or trenching of grass to outline boundaries
  • Use of flowers, garland, or other items to outline the boundaries of the gravesites, crypts, or niches.
  • Music boxes and other battery or electrically operated items
  • Glass, or other fragile ornaments
  • Standing decorations – e.g. Santa Claus, Snowmen, Candy Canes, Nut Crackers, Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs, Easter Baskets, artificial grass