St. Mary Parish at 212 W. Hanover, Marshall , MI 49068 US - Cemetery Rules

The Parish Cemetery of St. Mary Catholic Church, Marshall, Michigan

·                    As Christians, we believe in the resurrection of the body at the end of     

 time.  A Catholic cemetery is a sacred place - consecrated ground.  It is an extension of the parish church itself and must, in all respects, reflect that fact. It is a place of repose for the physical body -- once the temple of the Holy Spirit until the Lord comes again in glory. Just as the human body deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in life, so should it be treated in death.  All our cemetery policies are made with this understanding.

·                   A Catholic cemetery is a place for burial which proclaims our Catholic     

                understanding of life in this world and our hope for life in the world to 

                come. The parish cemetery, in all its aspects, gives witness to others of 

                what we believe. It is a place where the faithful continue make known

                to the entire world the Good News of Jesus Christ and the hope we

                share in resurrection.

·                  A Catholic cemetery is also a place for ritual prayer, such as Rite of      

               Committal for the dead at funerals.  It is sometimes also a place where 

               Mass is celebrated as well. It is also a place for private prayer and   

               reflection. 

Monument Guidelines and Policies:

 For the reasons given above, St. Mary Cemetery restricts the symbols, pictures, and sayings that appear on headstones to only those which reflect the universal religious beliefs of the Catholic faithful. 

• Only one monument maybe erected on a grave.

• All symbols on the front of the monument must be religious. A Christian cross is the preferred symbol which should be prominent on the monument.  The cross may be of  the Latin type U  or Greek style, +.

• The number of symbols added to any one monument is limited to two (2). This does not include a framed photo which might be affixed to the monument, the size of which may be no greater than 4” x 4”. If more than one person appears in the photo to be mounted on the monument, it may be no larger than 6”x 6” and must be approved by St. Mary Parish Cemetery in writing.

• Non - religious symbols or emblems must be approved by the pastor of St. Mary Parish.  If approved, the non-religious symbol or emblem must be placed on the back of the monument and be smaller than the religious symbol which appears on the front of the monument. The non-religious symbol may be up to 4”x4” or equivalent size, allowing for shapes that are not square.  (Non-religious symbols may not be offensive to, or in contradiction to, the Catholic faith, or be of a frivolous nature.)

• Any inscriptions, sayings or quotations on the front or back of the monument must be Scriptural in nature or clearly reflective of the faith tradition of the Catholic Church.  Specifically, secular quotations, sayings, and poetry are not acceptable for any part of the grave marker in the parish cemetery.

• Monument designs must be pre-approved in writing by the pastor of St. Mary Parish.  A scale drawing must be submitted in writing prior to casting of the design.  No marker may be placed without prior approval.  The parish cemetery sexton handles the monument foundations and directs the placement of markers.

• Nicknames, when approved, must be on the same line as the Christian name and be in quotes.   Nicknames may not be used if they are in anyway offensive to the Christian religion or frivolous in nature.

Please keep in mind that St. Mary Cemetery is the property of St. Mary Parish. Burial rights are sold, but not the land itself. It consecrated ground and is an extension of the parish church. All rules and regulations are made to preserve the dignity of this sacred ground.

1. Grave markers will not be placed on any lot or single grave unless payment for upkeep is assured.

2. Foundations must be paid in advance.

3. Grave markers shall not exceed the following dimensions: Single grave      

      (adult) 14” x 24” (infant) 10” x 18” Double grave markers 14” x 48”

4. Plantings are not permitted (trees, flowers, shrubs, etc.)

5. The following may not be left in the cemetery: glass containers, plastic containers, flowers made of silk or other fabric, “shepherd hooks”, whirligigs, flags, sports emblems, figurines, stuffed animals and things of this nature. Briefly, only what is specified in number 8 is permitted.

6. Statues, benches or other seats are not permitted.

7. All concrete foundations for grave markers and urns will be controlled by cemetery personnel.

8. Only one concrete or bronze flower/plant urn per family plot is permitted. If used, these concrete or bronze flower/plant urns must be placed in line with the grave marker. Urns shall not exceed the following dimensions: Rectangular 14” x 14” x 10” high     Round 12” diameter by 10” high.

No other decoration is permitted at a grave (However, in the week with following Memorial Day three extra containers of flowers may be left at one grave.  The containers for these flowers must not be made of glass or plastic). These flower/plant urns may contain only live flowers which must be watered and maintained throughout the growing season. Dead flowers will be removed by the cemetery maintenance staff. Urns may not be left empty. Flower/plant urns left empty for more than a week may be removed and discarded at the discretion of the cemetery management.

9. No burials may take place unless all fees and charges are paid in

           full.

10. Questions regarding fees, charges, and other matters should be     

      directed to the parish secretary, 781-3949.