We at Calvary Cemetery want to convey our sympathy for the loss of your loved one(s). Calvary Cemetery is a private Catholic Cemetery that provides eternal rest for loved ones and a quiet place for family and friends to visit. Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Calvary Cemetery gates are open seven days a week at 8:00 am until 5:00pm, 365 days per year. The Sangamon Street gate is locked at 3:30 pm. The main gate is locked at 5:00 pm daily. Anyone in cemetery after 5:00 pm is trespassing on private property. Exceptions to above guidelines may be made to ensure safety during inclement weather. The Calvary Cemetery office is closed on weekends and holidays. To make an appointment, call Monday through Friday to 217-523-3726.
All cemeteries are intended to be a place of rest and repose, a quiet place for prayer and reflection. We want Calvary Cemetery to be that sanctuary for you and your loved ones. Nationally, many Catholic and non-Catholic cemeteries now only allow flower decorations. Below are approved decorations that are welcome in Calvary Cemetery:
- Flowers (real or artificial) saddles, easels, cones or flower baskets are welcome. Planted items or edging of any kind is not allowed. Any damaged decorations should be removed.
- Shepard hooks (hook must curve toward pole) or small flags must be placed right next to stone on either side, to the right or left for purposes of mowing.
- Christmas decorations are encouraged after Thanksgiving. Grave blankets and pillows may be placed (without pinning) on graves that have not been seeded or sodded during the past year. Christmas blankets, pillows and wreaths, along with other Christmas decorations will be removed beginning the second week of January.
- Please refrain from placing sentimental or valuable items at grave. These items can go missing due to high winds as well as possible theft due to the grounds being open to the public. Calvary Cemetery cannot be held responsible for missing items. Breakable/glass or alcoholic items are not permitted as they pose a safety hazard to staff and visitors.
Calvary Cemetery’s semi-annual clean-ups are March 18th - 30th and again on September 15th - 30th. Anyone wishing to save, keep or store their items from their gravesite(s) must remove items before the first day of Clean-up. All remaining decorations will be removed from graves and graves are to remain free of decorations until the first day of the following month. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Calvary Cemetery’s primary mission is to provide Catholic burial services and maintain our grounds for loved ones to visit. We receive many requests for genealogy research from people all over the nation. We are happy to help but need to manage the volume of requests. So, for all genealogy research requests, e-mail [email protected] and your request will be processed as time allows.
Safety is one of our highest priorities at Calvary Cemetery in preparation for burials and maintenance of the grounds. Periodically, the gates may be locked, or the roads blocked due to maintenance work. Examples of maintenance issues are removal of heavy snowfall/ ice making the roads hazardous,
various repairs due to extreme weather, fallen tree limbs, removal of trees-bushes, monument company work and/or preparation for burials with heavy equipment. As soon as our crew can achieve a safe environment, access to the area(s) will be restored.
All monuments at gravesites are purchased by families, independent of Calvary Cemetery, through your funeral home or from a monument dealer of your choice. Ongoing maintenance /cleaning of monuments is the responsibility of families and can be arranged with your monument company. Local monument companies are familiar with the restrictions of monument sizes and placement here in our cemetery. Monuments cannot have any emblem, insignia or inscription inconsistent with Roman Catholic doctrine and practice. The Calvary Cemetery interment/burial contract has the appropriate monument sizes for your gravesite.
Most monuments must have a foundation poured for support & stability. Foundations are the responsibility of Calvary Cemetery’s grounds crew. From late spring through autumn each year, foundations are poured 3-4 times depending on freeze/thaw cycles and ground stability from rains. Be aware, after a burial, soil compaction is necessary prior to pouring a foundation, and takes 3 - 6 months to occur. After pouring, the concrete foundation must cure/dry before the monument company can place the stone. If your loved one already has a monument or stone, any monument dealer will be able to assist you in engraving names or dates.
Family and friends visiting graves are always welcome. Children should be accompanied by an adult; children are not allowed to climb on monuments for their safety. However, persons not visiting graves, are not welcome and are considered trespassing on this private property. Such activities as dog walking, walking/jogging, pleasure bike riding etc. are encouraged across 1st Street in Lincoln Park (a public park) or any other public space. These activities can interfere with cemetery work as well pose possible unwanted accidents. These activities also can create a distraction or congestion for the families & friends visiting the graves. We appreciate cooperation and respect of these guidelines.