St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery
Office: 47 Pine Street, West Springfield, MA 01089 413-739-4779
Policies Concerning Monuments, Markers, Purchase of Gravesites, and Flowers
1. All lots are to be paid in full within one year from date of purchase.
2. All outstanding payments must be paid in full before a monument or marker is permitted on a lot.
3. Monuments or markers will not be placed in the cemetery until the material, style and inscription have been
approved by the Superintendent.
4. When contracting for foundations for monuments or placement of markers, monument dealers must place
on file with the Superintendent a sketch, representing the monument or marker and a copy of the
inscription. This drawing must give the exact measurements of every marker or monument.
5. A cross, the symbol of our faith, must occupy a prominent place on every monument and marker. All
epitaphs and designs must be in harmony with the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
6. Only granite monuments and markers are allowed. Bronze military markers are permitted.
7. MONUMENT FOUNDATIONS: -SIZES CANNOT EXCEED WHAT IS SPECIFIED BELOW
A.
Cost (Please verify with the Cemetery Office if you do not have a copy of the price listing for
foundations.)
B.
16 grave lots: at least 16 square feet in the base, no less than
2 feet nor more than 4 feet in width
8 grave lots: base from 5 to 7 feet long and from 14 to 18 inches wide
4 grave lots: base from 3 to 5 feet long and from 12 to 18 inches wide
These specifications refer to all sections in the cemetery where monuments are permitted with the
exception of St. Gemma and St. Margaret where there are certain specifications. Please call the office for
a copy of those specifications.
PLEASE NOTE: If you put pots on the base of the monument, they cannot exceed past the base. If so,
they will be removed and the cemetery will not be held responsible.
8. MARKERS:
A.
Single Markers (2 feet x 1 foot)
$100.00
B.
Double Markers (over 2.0 x 1.0 – not to exceed 3.0 x 1.6)
150.00
C.
Military Markers (2.0 x 1.0)
Free
D.
Infant Markers (8 inches x 12 inches)-Children (to age 18)
Free
E.
All markers must be sawed back evenly and not over 4 inches thick.
F.
In the St. Joseph section: only 2 feet x 1 foot markers are allowed in
Rows A through H.
9. DEADLINE FOR FOUNDATION ORDERS:
April 15th and September 15th (NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE)
ANY OUTSTANDING BALANCE ON A LOT MUST BE PAID BEFORE FOUNDATION IS POURED.
10. PAYMENT:
A.
Payment MUST accompany requests for marker placement; otherwise,
request will be returned.
B.
Payment MUST accompany foundation requests or request for foundation
for monument will be returned and if not returned by the deadline of April 15th and September
15th you will run the risk of no foundation being poured.
11. FLOWERS
Flowers are allowed on all graves from May 10 through June 25 only. Flowers can only remain after this
on monument lots only if they are placed on the monument. However, fresh flowers may be placed on
graves for special occasions (example: anniversary, birthday) and can remain for five days (please contact
the office to let us know). Winter decorations are allowed from December 1 through March 15. No
artificial flowers are ever allowed. No urns, planters, wire hangers, glass containers or vigil lights are
allowed.
12. All work done in the cemetery is always subject to the supervision and approval of the Superintendent.
13. Please remember that once the ground is frozen for the season, markers cannot be put in until the ground
thaws in the spring.