Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it cost to bury someone?
A. The cost* can vary greatly. A single in-the-ground burial site with the Catholic Cemetery Association (CCA) begins at $1200. The cost to open and close the grave is currently $1150. Many other options are available and will be addressed in further questions.
Q. What are the requirements for a burial?
A. A ground burial requires a casket and vault. In a typical ground burial, the Mortuary usually handles arrangements for the vault. However, Lawn Crypts are also available through (CCA). In 2009 (CCA) requires that all cremation burials be placed in an Urn Vault.
Q. How must I pay for a burial?
A. If a burial is what we consider an AT-NEED, that is a death has occurred and no burial site has been arranged, we request payment in full for the site and grave opening 48 hours before the day of burial. Pre-planned purchases have a variety of payment plans available.
Q. Who should be notified at the time of death to arrange for burial?
A. Normally, the first contact is with the mortuary. They in turn will contact the Cemetery. Remember, the (CCA) requires a 48-hour notification to dig a grave site; all Monday funerals must called in to the office by 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Under normal circumstances, the mortuary handling the deceased notifies the cemetery of the pending services and dates.
Q. What does the cemetery provide at the time of death?
A. The (CCA) prepares the ground for burial, and if needed, erects a tent for shelter during the committal service. After the family leaves, the groundskeepers fills in the grave, restores the ground and places any flowers left from the service on the grave site.
Q. How is the grave site restored?
A. Depending upon the weather, grass is sown as soon as reasonable. The ground will settle some, especially after the first rain. Burials during the winter season are not sown until spring.
Q. How can I decorate the grave site?
A. Relatives of the deceased may plant flowers in the area measuring no more than 12" on the burial side of the headstone. (See regulations for further details)
Q. How long can I leave the decorations on the site?
A. Live flowers will remain as long as they remain healthy. Decorations other than flowers may remain as long as they retain their attractiveness and are not an obstacle to maintenance. All decorations are removed during the month of October.
Q. Who do I contact if I have a problem with the site, or the memorial?
A. Direct all questions through the main office at 309-691-5889.
Q. What about a headstone? How do I get one?
A. Headstones, or Monuments are available through the Catholic Cemetery Association, and private Vault & Monument Companies. Under most circumstances, the Monument purchased through the Catholic Cemetery Association will be less expensive, and of the utmost quality.
Q. Are there any restrictions on headstones?
A. There are restrictions on the size and type of headstone that will be allowed for a grave site. These vary, depending upon the cemetery and location of the burial. In the older cemeteries, a headstone may be up to 12" high. In the newer cemeteries, some areas only permit a flat stone. Please contact the office for the specifics related to each cemetery.
*The prices quoted in this brochure are in effect until September 30, 2011. At that time, prices are subject to change. Financing is available.