Cemetery Cleanup & Regulations

Dear Catholic Cemetery Family,

Catholic cemeteries are holy places of prayer and remembrance. The Church honors the custom of families and visitors expressing love and devotion for departed loved ones by decorating graves; however, decorating must not create a safety hazard, impede proper maintenance, infringe on other graves, diminish the Catholic character of the cemetery, or offend others. For these reasons, Catholic Cemeteries employs regulations and seasonal cemetery clean-up days for the common good. General cemetery clean-up takes place, each year on:

• January 15
• the Monday following Easter Monday
• June 21
• November 16

During this time, all grave decorations are removed from graves so that a thorough clean-up of the properties can take place. Please remove any decorations you would like to save prior to these dates.

In the spirit of maintaining the sacred nature and dignity as well as the safety of the cemetery, the following will be enforced. We ask for your understanding and your cooperation. Items that are not in compliance with our regulations may be removed and discarded without further notice.

Permitted:

• One solar/battery powered vigil light – no glass
• Fresh or silk flowers in a self-draining vase
• Annual plantings in beds 12-inches deep and the length of the memorial and not higher than 15”
• One religious statue made of durable material (no glass or porcelain) – not permitted in flat marker sections
• American flags from Memorial Day through Flag Day and on Veterans Day – installed three days prior to a holiday and through one week thereafter
• Decor must be secured within 12” inches from the grave’s facade and not exceed the monument’s length

Not permitted (including, but not limited to, the following):

• Border enclosures, fencing, decorative stones, shells
• Shrubbery or roses
• Glass, glassware, porcelain
• Wax candles, votive candles, landscape lights
• Toys, pinwheels, balloons
• Bric-a-brac, shepherd’s hooks or other hanging devices such as wind chimes
• Sprinkling cans
• Fraternal flag holders
• Sporting items, hats or similar articles
• Nothing temporary affixed to monuments

Regrettably, the cemetery is not responsible for decorations or property placed at graves. Items that pose a safety hazard to visitors or staff will be removed as soon as identified and without notice.

The grave of a loved one is precious and cherished. Catholic Cemeteries Rules and Regulations are for the mutual protection of all individuals and families. They intend to help sanctify the memories of those buried within the cemeteries and to create an environment which awakens faith and brings consolation. These rules assist in protecting the cemetery, creating and preserving their beauty, and ensuring that the interests of all concerned parties are addressed equally. We thank you for your understanding and for your assistance in addressing this matter and keeping our cemetery beautiful. May God bless you and your family.

The Office of Catholic Cemeteries, Diocese of Trenton