About St. Michael Cemetery
St. Michael Cemetery is a sacred place where we honor those who have completed their earthly journey of discipleship and now rest in the peace of Christ. More than a resting place for our loved ones, our cemetery is a visible sign of our Catholic faith, our communion with the saints, and our hope in the resurrection.
At St. Michael Parish, we are committed to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. The faithful men, women, and children buried here once walked the same path of faith that we walk today. They worshiped in our church, served our community, raised their families, and sought to follow Christ in their daily lives. Their witness reminds us that discipleship is a lifelong journey that ultimately leads us home to God.
For more than a century, St. Michael Cemetery has been a place of prayer, remembrance, and hope. As we visit these sacred grounds, we give thanks for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Their lives encourage us to continue our own journey as disciples, trusting in Christ’s promise that death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life.
Together, as one family of faith, we remain connected to those who have gone before us
and look forward with hope to the day when all God’s people will be gathered in His Kingdom.
Observance of Cemetery Grounds:
Gathering of flowers, whether wild or cultivated, and the breaking or injury to any tree, shrub, or plant is strictly prohibited.
Pets must be kept on a leash and owners must ensure they do not litter.
The sale of flowers, plants, or solicitation of any commodity is not permitted. Receptacles are labeled accordingly and should be used for the disposal of trash and recyclables.
The cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset.
Purchase of Burial Lots:
All grave sites are sold with Perpetual Care and must be paid in full at the time of purchase. No grave site shall be enclosed by a wall, fence, hedge, or any other means. The boundaries of each grave site shall be marked by a post at one corner of the 9’x 4’ grave site. A grave site holder may resell the grave site to St. Michael Parish for the same amount as the original purchase price. Each grave site may accommodate up to two cremated remains. The cost per grave site is $400. Prices are subject to change and do not include expenses such as grave digging and vault installation. Please contact the funeral home for additional costs.
Perpetual Care:
The term “Perpetual Care” refers to the ongoing maintenance of cemetery lots in reasonable condition, which includes grass cutting at appropriate intervals, raking, general cleaning of the grounds, and necessary maintenance and repairs within the cemetery. It’s important to note that “Perpetual Care” does not encompass the maintenance, repair, or replacement of grave stones or memorials placed on lots, nor does it include the planting of flowers or ornamental plants.
Trees and Shrubs:
The planting of trees, shrubs, and hedges is strictly prohibited and may be removed without prior notice. All maintenance work must be carried out by parish employees, authorized contractors, or volunteers.
Urns and Receptacles:
Flowers, wreaths, etc., left on graves will be promptly removed once they become unsightly. The cemetery does not assume responsibility for urns, receptacles, or baskets placed on lots. It’s important to note that Veteran Flags and plastic flowers must be removed by November 1st or before the first freeze. Additionally, all Christmas decorations, including grave blankets, must be cleared by April 1st.
Urns may be positioned, and flowers may be planted around monuments, provided they do not extend more than 16 inches in front of or on either side of the monument. Nothing should be planted or placed on the grassy area on the west side of the monument.
No additional benches or seats will be permitted for permanent placement within the cemetery.
Stone and Monument Regulations:
Owners of grave sites are permitted, at their own expense, to erect stones or monuments with an appropriate foundation provided by the Sexton.
Specifications:
The foundation for a grave stone cannot exceed 1 foot in width. Flat type markers should not be set more than 1 inch above the ground, unless placed on a sloping lot, in which case the back line measurement shall not exceed 1 inch. Only one monument is allowed per grave site, positioned on the west side of the grave site. Monuments must be constructed of granite. Monuments will be equipped with a foundation that can adequately support a headstone placed by the Sexton. The height of a monument may not exceed that of the tallest monument in the older section of St. Michael’s cemetery.
Columbarium Policy:
Standardized lettering on the Columbarium will be arranged by the Sexton. Parish members may purchase in advance up to four niches per household. Cost: $1,000 per niche. Prices are subject to change. Additional costs for open/close of niche. Each niche is designated for one set of cremated remains. No permanent flowers or decorations are permitted.
For more information please Contact: Bob Beers, Email: bobbeers1@stmikes.us, Phone: 989-967-3681 ext. 106