Rules & Regulations

Ensuring Safety & Dignity

Rules & Regulations2023-11-15T15:36:16-05:00

Committed to Beauty & Sanctity

We truly recognize the deep significance of personalizing a loved one’s resting place. However, it’s essential to find a balance between individual expressions of love and the broader safety and maintenance needs of the cemetery, given our available resources. While our policies have been in place for years, displayed at entrance points, they have unfortunately been overlooked both by visitors and staff, who failed to enforce or educate on them.

Considering recent incidents involving fires and multiple complaints, we have reassessed how to maintain our cemeteries as safe, respectful, and beautiful spaces for everyone. While there have been minimal updates to the Rules and Regulations, we are placing a stronger emphasis on enforcement. It is understandable that some will be upset with this change in enforcement, but we must be able to start somewhere and continue to work towards a more beautiful cemetery.

We commit to keeping families updated on any policy changes, cleanup schedules, and enhancement efforts. These updates will be provided primarily through this website or temporary signs throughout the cemetery. If there’s any confusion about current guidelines, we encourage you to contact us. Our dedicated team will gladly answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and will relay them to find the balance that is needed. Please know our office staff is committed to enhancing the beauty and sanctity of the cemetery, and they merit respect and understanding in all interactions.

Ultimately, our mission is to uphold the sacredness of these grounds with utmost dignity, safety, and efficiency, keeping every stakeholder’s concern in mind. We see the potential beauty of the cemetery and are committed to bringing that vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I have artificial flowers?2023-10-25T16:06:29-04:00

You can. Artificial flower decorations are permitted within the planting area. There are some limitations on the size and type. Please refer to the planting and decorating guidelines for more information.

Why do my flowers look cut?2023-10-25T16:06:37-04:00

The flowers you plant help to beautify our cemetery, and we certainly would not want to cut them down. Our staff are trained in mowing and trimming operations and rarely are flowers destroyed as a result of maintenance operation, especially if contained within the planting area. More often it is a result of animals eating the plant; we even have photos of deer at the graves. In most cases, if only some of the flowers are cut or missing, it was most likely animals. Please contact us if there is an issue and we will gladly look at the situation with you.

Why can’t we put out flags?2023-10-25T16:06:40-04:00

You can certainly place flags. U.S., national, military and first responder flags, no larger than 12″ x 18″ may be placed in the planting area. Although the U.S. flags are usually placed annually by volunteers, families are responsible for placement or replacement of any flags.

Why is the office closed?2023-10-25T16:06:44-04:00

The cemetery office is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 3pm. The door is generally locked – please ring the bell or call the office and we will let you in. We also have cameras that allow us to see if someone is there. If you need to speak with someone outside of these hours, please call the office and we will be glad to schedule a mutually convenient time.

When do you remove the decorations?2023-10-25T16:06:49-04:00

We perform general cleanups the week of March 1st and November 15th each year and palm decorations approximately one week after Easter. Families should remove holiday decorations 30 days after the holiday, and while not a cemetery wide cleanup, they may be removed by cemetery staff any time after that.

Why isn’t anyone answering the phone?2023-10-25T16:06:53-04:00

We have made it a priotority to answer your call, and have even implemented an answering service for those times we are busy helping other families or after hours. The office staff can often times be extremely busy helping other families making burial arrangements. You may leave your information and questions with the answering service, who will provide those messages to the staff so that we may return your call. If you find no one answers your call, or the answering service has not taken your information, please email us at office@stmarystnicholas.org and let us know.

When do palm crosses come off?2023-10-25T16:06:59-04:00

Palm crosses and decorations are removed approximately one week after Easter Sunday.

Can I sell or return my grave?2023-10-25T16:07:03-04:00

You may sell them, but all transfers of ownership must go through the cemetery office and be signed and authorized by all stake-holders which may include owners, heirs, and/or those receiving the graves. If you have graves you are looking to transfer to someone else, please call the cemetery office and we will provide you with the necessary forms and help you with the process. Return of graves are considered on a case by case basis, but the cemetery is not obligated to accept returns.

Why can’t I have a vigil candle?2023-10-25T16:07:07-04:00

You can actually have 2. Real flame candles are currently permitted but must be contained in an enclosed candle holder with top. You may also use solar or battery powered vigil lights.

Can a statue be placed at the gravesite?2023-10-25T16:07:11-04:00

Statues may be placed as long as they are contained within the planting area and do not exceed 18″ in height. We recommend a durable material to reduce the chance of breakage.

Can I have my pet in the cemetery?2023-10-25T16:07:15-04:00

Yes, you may. Pets must be on a leash at all times, should not be permitted on gravesites and owners must cleanup after their pet.

Still Have Questions?

If you have additional questions, give us a call at 201-843-7179 or visit our Contact page to fill out a form. Our helpful cemetery staff is here to help answer your questions and are committed to ensuring our families’ need are satisfied.

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