St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Cemetery
Regulations for Visitation and Grave Adornment
Cemetery Lot Owners, please take notice of these rules for St. Peter's Cemetery:
- The cemetery is open from dawn until dusk.
- No permanent plantings (shrubs, trees, or perennials) shall be allowed without the permission of the Cemetery Committee.
- For safety concerns of our workers, our visitors, and the sanctity of our cemetery, the following are not permitted at any time:
- Shepherd hooks or similar devices for hanging items, Metal Hooks on Pots, Glass, Lighting (including solar lights), Bird Feeder, Bird house, Wind chimes, Balloons, Signs/banners, Statues (unless a permanent/integral part of a monument), Ceramic and other fragile objects, cans, Toys, candles, windsocks, pinwheels, or any other item that might be deemed inappropriate or hazardous.
- Metal decorations, plant stands, plastic landscape borders, fencing, stone, mulch, brick, wood decorations and any landscaping items are not permitted.
- All forms of decorations not specifically permitted herein will be removed.
- Artificial flowers or potted plants are permitted in 6 to 10-inch pots, made of terra cotta or plastic. Heavy plastic or wooden boxed planters are permitted but must not exceed 18” long and 6” in width. The pots and boxed planters must be set on the ground directly next to the front or side of the marker. They should not protrude on a neighboring grave or common area. Artificial flowers are also permitted in approved permanent vases. All vases must have a hole in the bottom, so that water will drain. Permanent vases must be either set into a marker or placed in the ground either adjacent to the front of a marker or adjacent to the side of a marker. No in-ground planting is allowed.
- For flush markers, a permanent vase or an approved pot are the only decoration options and can only be placed on top of the marker. No in-ground planting is allowed.
- American Flag - may be placed in planters with plants, in approved permanent vases, in the ground abutting an above ground marker, or in a metal veteran’s stake (next to the marker). No other flags are permitted.
- During Fall/Winter (November 1st through March 15th) - Christmas decorations may be either artificial or real and must be set on stands or easels. Winter grave blankets are not permitted.
- All winter decorations must be removed by March 15th and summer decorations by October 1st for cemetery cleanup. Any decorations in violation of the regulations will be removed without notice. The Cemetery Association assumes no liability to lot owners for the removal of items that have been placed on gravesites.
- Special Decoration Consideration: Special decorations will be permitted at a burial location for these holidays: Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Father’s Day.
- Decorations can be placed starting the weekend before the holiday. Decorations may remain in place through the weekend following the holiday.
- Adornment of mausoleum crypts and niches are limited to the etching of a non-colored rose, along with up to two medallions on the face of the crypt/niche.
- No dogs or other pets shall be allowed upon the grounds unless they are for the assistance of a disabled person.
- Speed limit for all vehicles shall not exceed fifteen miles per hour and drivers shall drive on roadways only.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed on cemetery grounds at any time.
The Cemetery Committee has the exclusive authority to make rules and regulations as the Committee deems necessary.
The Cemetery Committee has the right to change and amend such regulations at any time.
The Cemetery Committee and Cemetery Staff reserve the right to correct or remove at any time any decoration or planting that is unsightly, overgrown, or violates any decoration policy.
You can reach the Cemetery Committee via email or call our Parish Office at 262-642-7225.
Perpetual Care Policy
Perpetual care funds are used for the general maintenance, care and management of the cemetery grounds, monument features and community Mausoleums. For example, mowing and lawn care during the growing season and the snow clearing and road treating during winter months, would fall under perpetual care, as would upkeep of buildings, roads, paths, signage, monument features and record keeping.
As for the family, they bear the responsibility for the upkeep of their family-owned monuments, flush markers, and for following the Cemetery Committee’s rules and guidelines. The term “Perpetual Care“ shall in no case mean the maintenance, repair or replacement of any family owned monument or marker placed or erected upon any lot; nor the planting, cutting, watering or care of any privately planted shrub, flowers or ornamental plants.; nor does it mean the reconstruction of any granite or concrete work in any section of the lot, or any portion or portions thereof in St. Peter’s cemetery damaged by any cause, direct or indirect, beyond the Committee’s reasonable control. However, the Cemetery Committee reserves the right to repair, replace, or remove any monument deemed to be unsafe.
As for the family, they bear the responsibility for the upkeep of their family-owned monuments, flush markers, and for following the Cemetery Committee’s rules and guidelines. The term “Perpetual Care“ shall in no case mean the maintenance, repair or replacement of any family owned monument or marker placed or erected upon any lot; nor the planting, cutting, watering or care of any privately planted shrub, flowers or ornamental plants.; nor does it mean the reconstruction of any granite or concrete work in any section of the lot, or any portion or portions thereof in St. Peter’s cemetery damaged by any cause, direct or indirect, beyond the Committee’s reasonable control. However, the Cemetery Committee reserves the right to repair, replace, or remove any monument deemed to be unsafe.
