Our Mission

St. Patrick Cemetery is a sacred place and a testimony to the Christian belief of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It is our duty to perform the corporal work of mercy of burial of the dead and care of this sacred space in a compassionate and caring fashion. Please see this planning guide from the Diocese of Joliet.

Why a cemetery?

When we are baptized, we are brought to a sacred place, the Catholic Church, and baptized into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection – thus giving us the promise of eternal life. When our loved ones die, we take them to another sacred place, a Catholic cemetery, for burial in sacred ground while they await the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life.

What about cremation?

Cremation has been an alternative to ground burial or entombment for Catholics since 1963. Canon Law recommends that the custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed; however, it does not forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching, such as to deny the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead.

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains. This includes the use of a worthy vessel for the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition (Order of Christian Funerals, #416). It is recommended that cremation take place after the funeral liturgy, however, the funeral liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains (1997 appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals, #426).

Cremated remains of the body should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium.

Monument Limitations

Monument size limits vary depending on the section of the cemetery. Base size is approximately 36″ to 40″ for a single plot and double that for a double plot. The maximum height for a monument is 36-40″. Please call the parish business office prior to ordering.

Decoration Guidelines

Decoration guidelines are established to create a cemetery environment that is safe, maintainable and beautiful. We understand that your decoration is your own expression of love in memory of your departed loved one. Since the cemetery is open to the public, we regret that we cannot guarantee items from damage or disappearance. We advise you not to leave any objects of sentimental value in the cemetery.

For safety, operations, and maintenance, the below-listed items cannot be left at gravesites and will be removed by cemetery personnel:

  • Items made of glass, ceramic, metal
  • Edging materials
  • Borders of any kind
  • Fencing materials of any kind
  • Boulders, stones, decorative rocks
  • Bales of straw or hay
  • Trees, bushes, rose bushes

Shepherd Hooks may be used if they are staked at the base of the monument; maximum of three per lot. Broken hooks and dead plants will be removed.

Funeral Flowers can remain at the grave for three days, after which time they will be removed and disposed of. Any floral urns, vases, ribbons, etc. that the family desires to keep should be removed immediately following the funeral service.

Flowers may be planted directly in front of the monument and extend one foot out from the front only. Families are to provide regular care of the flower bed to ensure the beauty of the cemetery. If not maintained, cemetery personnel will need to remove the plantings.

Winter Holiday Wreaths/Trees/Blankets – Families may place these items at the gravesite from the last part of November through February 28. Cemetery personnel will remove and dispose of wreaths thereafter.

Pricing and information

Planning Guide: Please see this link for a complete guide to recording all the vital information needed to plan your funeral.

Funeral Home: When the funeral is handled by the funeral home, the fees for preparing the lot for burial, vault, permits, etc., may be included as part of the fees paid to the funeral home; please check with the Funeral Director to confirm.

Grave Sales: Please call the St. Patrick Parish Office at (630) 553-6671; prices are subject to change without notice.

Ground Burial Grave Space: Full-size grave space is suitable for one full body or two cremains.

Monument Placement must be cleared with the cemetery caretaker first for logistical purposes. We need to be sure that the apron is set at four feet to ensure that the monument remains upright.

  • Full-size grave space: $950
  • Perpetual Care Fee per space: $300
  • Opening/Closing Fees for Burial: Check with the parish business office for payment procedure.
  • Cremains: $300
  • Full Casket: $575

Spring Clean-Up

March 15 is the start date used by cemetery personnel to clean the grounds and prepare the cemetery for spring. All items will be removed and disposed of. If you wish to retain your items, please ensure you take it before March 15.

Fall Clean-Up

November 12 is the start date set by cemetery personnel to clean and prepare the grounds for winter. All items will be removed and disposed of; all floral vases will be inverted to prevent them from freezing/cracking, and to prevent damage to our equipment during the winter months of operation. If you wish to retain your items, please ensure you take it by Nov. 12.