Upcoming Cemetery Cleanup Dates – January 2026

Cemetery staff will be completing the following cleanups in the month of January. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the cemetery rules and regulations.

Thursday, January 8, 2026: Cleanup of Chapels and Mausoleums
  • Christmas trees will be removed from chapels. Families are asked to remove any ornaments placed on trees by Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
  • Any decorations placed in chapel or mausoleum buildings, including items placed on floral tables, will be removed and discarded at this time. As a reminder, floral tables are designated for placement of flowers only. In addition, items are not permitted to be affixed to crypt or niche covers at any time.
Thursday, January 15, 2026: Full Cleanup of Gravesites
  • FULL Cleanup of decorations from gravesites will begin on this date. In addition to Christmas decorations, cemetery staff will remove and discard ALL items from gravesites that are not permitted per the cemetery’s rules and regulations.
  • The only items permitted on graves at all times are flowers and flags as specified in the cemetery regulations. All other items are not permitted and will be removed and discarded; this includes but is not limited to statues, plaques, rocks, pictures, solar lights, edging/borders, bric-a-brac. Items are not permitted to be affixed to or placed on top of monuments at any time.
  • Due to the volume of items being removed, 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 Wednesday, January 14th. We kindly ask that families refrain from placing any prohibited items back on graves after the cleanup is completed.
  • Please note: January cleanups at Cemetery of the Holy Rood and Queen of Peace Cemetery will be focused on Christmas decorations first, followed by cleanup of all other grave violations as time permits. If the full cleanup cannot be completed due to weather or other cemetery work, the full cleanups of these cemeteries will be completed after Easter beginning Monday, April 13, 2026.

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

Cemetery Cleanups – January 2026

Planting & Decoration Guidelines – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Seasonal Planting & Decoration Schedule (2026)

Cemetery Rules & Regulations – Overview

Planting & Decoration Reference Guide

 

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.