St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Cemetery
Cemetery News
Winter Decorations 12/22
The fall and winter grave decoration period is from November 1st to March 15th. Decorations may be either artificial or real and must be set on a stand or an easel. Winter grave blankets are not permitted. All decorations should be removed on, or before, March 15, 2023.
The fall and winter grave decoration period is from November 1st to March 15th. Decorations may be either artificial or real and must be set on a stand or an easel. Winter grave blankets are not permitted. All decorations should be removed on, or before, March 15, 2023.
Orange Flags For Winter 12/22
Greg Hoppe (our gravedigger) called yesterday stating that he is going to be marking the cemetery with orange flags to show the "corners" for winter. Please do not remove them.
Greg Hoppe (our gravedigger) called yesterday stating that he is going to be marking the cemetery with orange flags to show the "corners" for winter. Please do not remove them.
Enhanced Grave Adornment Rule Enforcement 9/22
Enhanced grave adornment rules became effective in March of this year. Items not compliant with the rules were removed and placed next to the shed in the northwest corner of the cemetery. Many of the items were recovered by families; however, many still remain. All remaining items will be discarded if not picked up by November 1st. If you know someone who might not be aware of the rules and may have placed items on a grave that are no longer appropriate, please let them know of this deadline. If you would like a copy of rules, please contact the parish office.
Over the years, some families have planted shrubs and even trees to honor their loved ones. These plants continue to grow and unless maintained, can get out of hand. Unfortunately, the church does not have the staff to maintain them. In late October or early November, some smaller trees and shrubs will be removed. Families wishing to save what they may have planted are free to remove them. All plants that will be removed will be tagged with a ribbon. Please know that the enhanced rules were enacted to exemplify the sacredness of the grounds.
“Many people wonder what makes a Catholic cemetery different from any other cemetery. In short, Catholic cemetery grounds are consecrated. These sacred grounds are an extension of the Catholic Church. They ensure that those who are together in life are kept together in death.
Catholic cemeteries are reverent and prayerful places. They are adorned with special Christian symbols, monuments, and structures that make visitation a holy and serene experience. Choosing to be buried in a Catholic cemetery is a way of remaining surrounded by the faith and members of the Church even in death.”
~ Catholic Cemetery Association
Enhanced grave adornment rules became effective in March of this year. Items not compliant with the rules were removed and placed next to the shed in the northwest corner of the cemetery. Many of the items were recovered by families; however, many still remain. All remaining items will be discarded if not picked up by November 1st. If you know someone who might not be aware of the rules and may have placed items on a grave that are no longer appropriate, please let them know of this deadline. If you would like a copy of rules, please contact the parish office.
Over the years, some families have planted shrubs and even trees to honor their loved ones. These plants continue to grow and unless maintained, can get out of hand. Unfortunately, the church does not have the staff to maintain them. In late October or early November, some smaller trees and shrubs will be removed. Families wishing to save what they may have planted are free to remove them. All plants that will be removed will be tagged with a ribbon. Please know that the enhanced rules were enacted to exemplify the sacredness of the grounds.
“Many people wonder what makes a Catholic cemetery different from any other cemetery. In short, Catholic cemetery grounds are consecrated. These sacred grounds are an extension of the Catholic Church. They ensure that those who are together in life are kept together in death.
Catholic cemeteries are reverent and prayerful places. They are adorned with special Christian symbols, monuments, and structures that make visitation a holy and serene experience. Choosing to be buried in a Catholic cemetery is a way of remaining surrounded by the faith and members of the Church even in death.”
~ Catholic Cemetery Association
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.
