Cemetery Decoration Cleanups

Please see below for details on the upcoming cemetery cleanup schedule. Please keep in mind that separate from scheduled cleanups, violations may be removed at any time without notice, especially if the items are a safety hazard or they interfere with cemetery work. With the Spring thaw, generally comes milder temperatures and dry weather (ideally dry soil conditions), this presents the opportunity for preseeding clean up. Therefore, the cemetery may frequently enforce rules and regulations to prepare the grounds for a Spring Season’s work of soil aeration, fertilization, topsoil placement and/or seed work. The weather conditions dictate when the work is scheduled. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the cemetery rules and regulations.

Monday, April 13th: Next Scheduled Cleanup
  • In addition to removing all Easter decorations, any items not permitted per the cemetery’s rules and regulations are subject to removal.
  • Artificial flowers will be removed from gravesites and mausoleum flower tables at this time. As a reminder, artificial flowers are only permitted at the cemeteries from November 1st until one week after Easter.
    • Artificial flowers will not be removed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Artificial flowers are permitted year-round at Holy Sepulchre only due to the cemetery’s deer population.
  • As a reminder, the only items permitted on graves all year round are flowers, flags and flush in-ground bouquet holders as specified in the cemetery regulations. No other items are permitted and may be removed and discarded at any time; this includes but is not limited to statues, plaques, rocks, pictures/photographs, solar lights, edging/borders, and bric-a-brac.
  • Due to the volume of items being removed during cemetery cleanups, it is not possible to make arrangements to have families claim items once they have been removed. Families are requested to remove any placed items that they wish to save by Sunday, April 12th. We kindly ask that families refrain from placing any prohibited items back on graves after the cleanup is completed.

Please click the links below for more information and to review a summary of the rules and regulations for Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island.

Planting & Decoration Guidelines – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Seasonal Planting & Decoration Schedule (2026)

Cemetery Rules & Regulations – Overview

Planting & Decoration Reference Guide

Cemetery Cleanups – January 2026 (Due to the winter weather, full cleanups which began on January 15th were paused until March and resumed once the snow melted)

Cemetery Rules & Regulations – Why Do They Exist?

There are three distinct groups that must be considered in the exercise of the Corporal Work of Mercy known as the Burial of the Dead. Those who are buried, entombed, or inurned in our cemeteries are the first group. The second group consists of the survivors and visitors to Catholic Cemeteries. The third group that must be considered includes the Catholic Church itself, its rituals, disciplines and procedures, cemetery management and all cemetery support staff.

Rules and Regulations play an important part in the beautification and preservation of the sacred resting place of the faithful departed. These rules are intended not as restraining, but rather as defining an orderly plan of operation, care and permanent maintenance. They are meant to help sanctify the living memories of those buried within the cemeteries and to create an environment that awakens faith and brings consolation. The enforcement of the rules will assist in protecting the cemeteries, by creating and preserving their beauty, and ensuring that the interests of all concerned parties are equally addressed.