MEMORIALS AND GRAVE DECORATIONS

Our Standards

In the Diocese of Lansing Cemeteries, memorials serve

As an honor the and fitting remembrance of the dead;
As an inspiration to the living;
As a historical recording of families;
As an identification of the grave;
As a means of beautification.

 

To achieve these objectives in our cemetery, mausoleum crypts and niches and columbarium, the Diocese of Lansing Diocesan Cemeteries has developed standards and decoration policies for all memorialization and grave decoration products.

 

Click here for our Summary of Grave Decoration Policies <link> also available in the Cemetery Office.

 

Good Taste Rule:

In order to maintain the goals of memorialization and grave decorations, the Diocese of Lansing Cemeteries has adopted a “Good Taste Rule” - Any symbol, inscription, drawing, etching,
picture etc., which the cemetery  management deems offensive or improper or not appropriate for a Catholic cemetery, will not be allowed in a Diocese of Lansing Catholic Cemetery.

 

Memorial Opportunities

The Diocese of Lansing Cemeteries offers a wide variety of products, services purchased by or on behalf of an individual family.

At the time of lot selection, or some appropriate time after the funeral, the Diocese of Lansing Cemeteries office staff can help families select an upright monument or marker and also provide information about other memorialization options.

 

Memorials

Memorials have a great significance to families of the deceased and every person buried in a Catholic cemetery has a right of memorialization subject to the rules and regulations of the individual cemetery.  Some cemeteries have special rules for certain cemetery sections.  Some cemeteries require symbols of our faith on every memorial.  Some cemeteries allow upright monuments, some cemeteries do not.  Some cemeteries restrict memorials to lawn-level markers only.  Some cemeteries allow more than one memorial per lot, most do not.  It is best to check with the Cemetery (or Parish) Office prior to purchasing a memorial.

 

Monuments

Monuments are available in a variety of sizes and colors to meet the individual family’s needs.  The office staff at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and New Calvary Catholic Cemetery is qualified to help families design an appropriate memorial.

NOTE:  Upright monuments are not allowed in every cemetery section.  Consult with the Cemetery Office prior to purchasing for any size, dimension or style restrictions.  Monuments not conforming to cemetery regulations will not be allowed in the cemetery.

A new shared monument concept featuring the Way of the Cross and the Mysteries of the Rosary whereby the monument has already been erected and the family receives inscription rights to a quarter of the monument.  Shared monument lots are offered exclusively by  St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing.

 

Markers

Markers placed flush to the ground over individual graves are available in granite or bronze.  A variety of deigns, inscriptions and sizes are available.

 

MEMORIAL URNS

Memorial Urns are available in different materials and prices.  In selecting an urn, keep in mind the final burial location - will the urn be seen or not?  Does the burial or niche space allow for the identification of the individual?  Obviously, a glass front niche will not do so; therefore the name of the deceased will have to be on the urn itself. Is the urn appropriate for this?

For ground cremation burials, cremation urn vaults or cremation urns are not required if the cremated human remains arrive at the cemetery in a non biodegradable container or an approved urn.

 

OTHER CEMETERY PRODUCTS

Cement Outer Boxes - An outer box is a concrete or steel container that is inserted into the open grave. The casket is placed inside the container and a concrete or steel lid is installed to completely enclose the casket.  The grave is then filled in with dirt. 

Outer containers are required in the Diocese of Lansing Catholic Cemeteries for two reasons:

• Provide protection against the weight of heavy equipment; and
• Protect the casket from settling and keeping the ground intact thus preserving the beauty of the cemetery.

The Diocese of Lansing Catholic Cemeteries offers a choice of one of three approved concrete outer burial containers:
                                                           

• Grave box or liner (recommended)
• Sealed outer container
• Sealed lined vault

Ceramic Pictures

Ceramic pictures can be created to go on your grave site monument.  Because of the high probability of damage, ceramic pictures are not recommended for markers.

 

Vases

Vases are permitted in the Diocese of Lansing Cemeteries for ground burials during the mowing season only.  The Cemetery Office will assist you in selecting an appropriate vase for your grave site that will not interfere with the mowing and burial activities.

 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY WREATHS AND GRAVE BLANKETS

Christmas holiday wreaths and grave blankets commemorate the memory of a loved one’s during the winter season.  Memorial wreaths and grave blankets may be placed on the graves each Christmas season.  It is easy to take advantage of this convenient way to remember your loves ones.  Cemetery pricing include the decoration, delivery, installation on the grave and disposal after Christmas season.  Contact the Cemetery Office in early November for details.