Decoration Rules And Regulations For Saint Frances Cabrini, Saint Elizabeth Seton, Saint John Neumann, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin (Exterior Only), And Saint Isaac Jogues Garden Crypts And Niches

A Catholic cemetery is a sacred place. These Garden Crypts and Niches, as part of the Catholic Cemetery, which is owned and operated by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, must be maintained in honor and dignity. To preserve the integrity of the Cemetery, to protect the sacredness of its grounds and its buildings, as well as the obligation to care for these Garden Crypts and Niches and those entombed or inurned therein, to promote order and safety, to reduce the burden of maintenance, and to keep our Cemetery and these Garden Crypts and Niches beautiful, we respectfully request your cooperation in following these Rules and Regulations, which apply for the mutual protection and benefit of all crypt and niche holders.

The Superintendent is authorized to make, without notice, temporary additional rules which may be needed, from time to time, to meet emergencies which are not covered by these Rules and Regulations. Furthermore, the Catholic Cemetery Association, Inc. (the Cemetery Association) reserves the right, without notice, to make, amend, alter, suspend, or repeal any part or all of these Rules and Regulations, all without liability whatsoever on the part of or to said Cemetery Association, the Catholic Cemetery, or the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

The Cemetery Association reserves the right to remove and discard at any time, without notice to the crypt or niche holder or to anyone, any and all decorations or objects which violate these Rules and Regulations as well as those decorations or objects it deems unsightly, offensive to nearby crypt or niche holders, or not in keeping with the spirit of these Rules and Regulations. The Cemetery Association assumes no liability whatsoever to crypt or niche holders or others for its acts of removal and discarding as stated herein. Likewise, the Cemetery Association will not accept liability for damage done to decorations due to vandalism, theft, wind, vehicles, animals, chemicals used in pest control, architectural design, or machinery making entombments or inurnments or mowing. Failure of the Cemetery Association to enforce any provision(s) of these Rules and Regulations does not bar it from enforcing such provision(s) at a later date.

Decorating a crypt or a niche is a privilege not a right. These Rules and Regulations safeguard both the Crypt or Niche Holder and the Catholic Cemetery. In many cases, they directly reflect on the health and safety of patrons and workers. There are valid reasons for all these Rules and Regulations. We ask your cooperation in following them.

Areas have been created along the outside perimeter of the sidewalks surrounding each building and upon which concrete urns can be placed. The only allowable decorations are natural or silk flowers or plants placed in a cement/concrete No. 1 Cemetery Urn (a sample can be seen in the Catholic Cemetery Office)) which must be placed on these areas created for this purpose. Unfortunately, urns placed next to the building create mold problems on the buildings and will be removed if placed there. Do not hang or attach anything to the crypt/niche panels as such attachments will be removed and discarded.

Decorations not specifically permitted are not allowed and will be removed and discarded at any time without notice. For your convenience, you may purchase acceptable decorations and supplies for your loved ones from floral suppliers located in Fort Wayne. You can obtain information about this from the Catholic Cemetery Office.

Annual Cemetery Cleanup

March 15-31 is used to clean the Resurrection Mausoleum and Guerin Mausoleum and prepare for Spring. All decorations, including their containers, will be removed and disposed of at this time. If you wish to save your decoration, please remove it before March 15 or call the Catholic Cemetery Office and ask us to hold it for you, which we will do for a period of thirty (30) days, after which the decoration(s) will be discarded if not picked up during that period. Please do not place any decorations during this cleanup period as they will be removed and discarded.

Many people visit the Catholic Cemetery each year. Because the Cemetery is open to the public, it is very difficult to control the activity of every visitor. We regret that we cannot guarantee decorations will be free from damage or disappearance and we caution you against leaving anything of great value on any grave in the Cemetery.

These rules and regulations are strictly enforced and supersede all others previously issued.

We wish to thank you for your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these Rules and Regulations.