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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Gate of Heaven Cemetery mow the grass and trim the markers?
We typically mow the lawn weekly. We are sometimes able to cut it twice in one week during the heavy growing season. We usually trim markers six times during the growing season. Families are welcome to trim their markers more often if they wish, provided they take care not to disturb the soil. Soil disruption allows for weed seeds to take root and grow.
What is Perpetual Care?
We currently use the term Endowed Care. You may also have heard it referred to as Permanent Care. Any of these terms refer to the continued care of the lawn, grounds, plant material, roadways, and water and drainage systems within the cemetery. (It does not refer to care of your marker or vase. Care of these items is the responsibility of the owner.) However, the cemetery will, upon request or when we note a safety concern, raise and level markers and vases at no cost. And we can arrange (for a fee) for the refinishing of markers whose finish has weathered. When in doubt, simply call the office and see if we can help.
What are your Flower and Decorations guidelines?
All grave, mausoleum and columbarium floral decorations are to be of natural cut flowers or artificial flowers only. Potted plants, glass or pottery containers are strictly prohibited. Vases should be placed inverted in the ground from December through February to prevent freezing and cracking. All floral decorations or decorations in general will be removed and discarded by cemetery personnel on a weekly schedule (printed schedule available upon request from cemetery office). At no time may anything other than permanently attached bronze plaque and vase be attached to a crypt or niche front.
The Cemetery disclaims all responsibility for the theft or disappearance of any decoration and reserves the right to remove any decorations when, in the opinion of the superintendent, it becomes advisable to do so.
The placement of flags shall be permitted on graves of Veterans of the Armed Forces; however, these flags shall be removed when, in the opinion of the superintendent, it is desirable to do so. Further, the flags must be stuck in the ground as the placement of flag holders or emblems shall be prohibited and the holders or emblems shall be removed.
Flowers and decorations removed each Tuesday from Feb. 15 - Nov. 15. Exceptions: Removed Wednesdays following
Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Thursday/Friday following Memorial Day. Christmas Decorations removed beginning
January 15, weather permitting.
Pets, fishing, swimming, skating prohibited on grounds and waterways.
When do you close the gates?
Cemetery Grounds are Open as follows:
7 Days a Week from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM or 1 hour before dusk, whichever is later.
Cemetery Office is Open as follows:
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
What can Gate of Heaven do about the mess the geese leave behind?
Canadian geese are a protected species. We contract with a geese control expert who chases them from the property periodically, keeping their numbers to a minimum. Geese droppings are a nuisance, but are normal in the natural setting we have created at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. They will eventually wash into the soil with a moderate to heavy rain and become fertilizer.
Who pulled the buds off my flowers?
Usually, it is the deer, groundhogs and geese. They will also bite artificial flowers, discover they aren’t tasty, and spit them out or fling them aside with a shake of their heads. God’s creatures are abundant at Gate of Heaven, and depending upon your opinion, either a blessing or a nuisance.
My husband so loved his dog. Can I bring Spot to visit?
Sorry, though we understand the bond between pet owner and pet, like all other cemeteries of which we are aware, dogs (and all pets) are prohibited on cemetery grounds. Please leave your pets at home or keep them safely in your car when visiting.
When will the marker we ordered be installed?
Approximately 8 to 10 weeks from the date of order, weather permitting. Markers which are ordered and arrive between December and March are a bit more problematic. A grave which we dig in the winter will not have grass on it until mid-Spring. We prefer not to set markers on a bare grave due to mud and settling. We will contact you when the marker is set and ready for reviewing.
When is your Memorial Day Service?
We celebrate a Mass with the Archbishop or Auxiliary Bishop at Gate of Heaven each year at 11:00 AM on Memorial Day Monday.
Can I plant a bush or tree on my husband’s grave?
Sorry, no. Gate of Heaven needs to plan and carefully implement plantings this large throughout the cemetery to keep it attractive to all.
Can I plant flowers in the bed near our graves?
All plantings are normally done by cemetery personnel, but we appreciate people who would like to take this task upon themselves.
Please get permission from the superintendent prior to planting any flowers in an existing cemetery bed. Also, be aware that planting such items means that we require that you also assume the care of such plantings for the growing season.
Where do I get one of those nice vases for my flowers?
The nice ones are a cemetery product available for purchase at the office or by phone. The cemetery is not responsible for damage to these vases, but will gladly repair any repairable vase purchased from us. Outside vendor’s vases are usually less expensive and of lesser quality. We have far more problems with these vases, and will assume no responsibility for repair or replacement.
My flowers are missing. What is Gate of Heaven going to do about it?
Unfortunately, there is occasional pilferage within the cemetery by both animals and humans. The cemetery is not responsible
for lost or stolen flowers or decorations. We may remove, at our discretion, an item in a breakable
container (these are not allowed at any time) or one left lying on the lawn.
For more specifics about grave ownership, see our official Rules & Regulations.
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