For information regarding the cemeteries, please call the parish office: 860-628-4713.
Care for God’s Acre – St. Thomas Cemetery and Immaculate Conception Cemetery
Cemeteries can be beautiful and attractive, or cluttered and untidy. This appearance depends on the cemetery regulations. Only by your cooperation in adhering to these rules and our strict enforcement, can we attain our common goal. Rules and regulations are subject to change. Any conflicts between regulation previously adopted and current ones shall be resolved in favor of current rules. These guidelines have been developed with concern for the operational expenses of the cemetery. Removal and disposal of decorations is an ever increasing expense taken from our operations revenue. Environmental controls do not permit burning debris, so trash removal costs increase. Decorations make it difficult for mowing and trimming the lawns, adding to maintenance costs. For both aesthetic and practical reasons, these rules and regulations have been adopted.
Pets are not allowed in the cemeteries. There have been issues with animal waste, pets digging around or marking stones, and animals off leashes. Out of respect for those buried there, no pets are allowed.
Drinking alcoholic beverages or consumption of illegal drugs on the properties is prohibited.
The Speed limit for driving in the cemeteries is 15MPH for the protection of all.
Upright Monument Lots: The planting of annuals is permitted only in the 10 inch area directly in front of the monument, not to exceed the length of the monument. (When burials are on both sides of the stone—front and back, annuals may be planted 10 inches in front of the stone and behind it, also not exceeding the width of the monument.) Wood mulch is allowed on the planting area, but you may not use gravel, stone, or crushed rubber. Edging and fencing is prohibited. Nothing is allowed to be attached to the monuments. Planting urns or pots are not permitted on monuments.
Flush Marker Lots: The planting of flowers is prohibited.
Artificial Flowers and Decorations of any kind are not permitted between March 15th and November 20th. Pumpkins and other fruit are not allowed for decoration of graves. Vases, bottles, cans, lights and candles are prohibited. Winter decorations are permitted between November 20th and March 15th. These consist of wreaths and bows, and artificial flowers and evergreens placed in a flower box. No decorations shall exceed 2 feet in width, 2 feet in depth, and 2 feet in height. These are to be confined to the space immediately in front of an upright monument (and behind, if burials are on both sides of the stone – decorations to the side are prohibited). Damage may occur to winter decorations during snow removal or moving for burials. All due care will be taken, but the cemeteries are not responsible for any damage in these cases. Please note, all allowable grave decorations are as stated above. No other items are to be placed on graves. Any items violating the rules and regulations will be removed by cemetery personnel immediately.
Potted Plants and flower boxes at upright monument plots and flush marker plots are allowed only during the week of(7 days including and following) these holidays: Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day, and Fathers’ Day. Potted plants dug into the soil will be removed immediately. Please note, palms are blessed and should not be used to decorate graves.
New Shrubbery is not permitted on individual lots. Existing shrubs will be removed by the cemetery workers at such time as they become overgrown. Please note, roses are shrubs.
On occasion, gravesites are traversed by heavy equipment in connection with burials and normal operations. The cemetery personnel will restore areas where damage is sustained, at the direction of the Property Manager. Considerations will be made for weather, grave conditions, and availability of labor.
(Rules and regulations as of June 2019)