Cemetery Information

Our Cemeteries
St. Joseph Catholic Parish operates four Catholic Cemeteries in Zwolle and the Ebarb Community.

• St. Joseph Cemetery at St. Joseph Church in Zwolle
• St. Ann Cemetery near St. Ann Chapel in the Ebarb Community
• Old St. Joseph Cemetery, also called St. Michael Cemetery, in Zwolle
• St. Catherine Cemetery in Zwolle

Venerable Place of Rest
To maintain our cemeteries as venerable places of rest, we maintain regulations regarding the monuments placed and memorial markers.  The practice of using Sacred Scripture and Christian symbols on monuments is very important for helping maintain the Christian atmosphere.  While secular engravings may have some subjective appeal for the mourner, the expression and hope of our Catholic faith is of supreme importance.  Our cemetery regulations are listed as follows.  For additional information, and for any questions, please contact the parish office.

Cemetery Regulations

1. Monuments must be no more than 4 feet high from the ground. Single markers must be no wider than 4 feet across. Double markers must be no more than 7 feet across - this includes the base.
2. Christian/Catholic symbols only are allowed on the front of the monument. If a secular image is also desired, they may be placed on the back of the monument.
3. Scripture verses should be from the New American Bible (NAB) translation.
4. A sketch and dimensions of the monument must be approved by the pastor or his delegate. This may be mailed, emailed, or faxed to (318) 645-9852 before the monument is started. If approved, the form will be returned with an approval signature.
5. Flat markers, such as military ones, are to be level with the ground (whether it is placed at the head or the foot of the grave).
6. These regulations pertain to St. Joseph (old and new), St. Ann, and St. Catherine cemeteries.
7. No curbing, shells, statues, etc. are allowed on the ground in the cemetery.
8. Monuments cannot be set in place if there is a balance due on the plots.

 
Landscaping Consideration
In addition to the above regulations, and in order to keep our cemeteries well maintained, we also maintain the following guideline. Items that are placed in or on the ground make mowing very difficult and also run the chance of being damaged, therefore any items that do not fall within the guidelines will be removed.
 
Cost of Plot Reservation (2018)

• For Parishioners $300.
• For Non-Parishioners $1,000.

 
Parishioner status
Parishioner status is established by meeting the following criteria:

• Regular Sunday Mass attendance at St. Joseph Church or St. Ann Chapel
• Involvment in ministry activities in the parish
• Evidence of financial support
• Residence within the parish territorial boundaries (according to Canon Law)
• Current Parish Registration on file in parish office (for at least 3 years)
• May be a full-time college student living on campus outside parish boundaries
• Is in the military full-time, stationed elsewhere.

Payment Details
If plot payment is made by installments - payment must be made monthly. If three (3) consecutive payments are missed, the plot or plots will revert back to the church.

1. Cemetery dues are $20.00 per year per household. Non-parishioners must pay ten (10) years' dues up front. If dues are not paid for three (3) consecutive years, the plot or plots will revert back to the church.
2. There is no charge for plots for infants.
3. A plot is a right to reserve a place for burial with no legal or moral binding.
4. Plots cannot be reserved for someone who cannot maintain the dues themselves.
5. Plot reservations cannot be transferred without approval of the Pastor.
6. No curbing, shells, statues, etc. are allowed on the ground.
7. Trash should be placed in one of the trash barrels provided.
8. These guidelines apply to all four cemeteries as listed above.