by R.J. Sanchez

Halloween can be a wonderful time of the year, especially for children who look forward to costumes and special treats. Decorations are a large part of the celebration, and many people go to great lengths to prepare their homes for the occasion.

Such things as jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and pictures of goblins, witches and bats are a common sight when people go to decorate their homes and businesses. They are great ways to thrill and excite the viewers and trick -or- treaters. One of the places where they are not appropriate, however, is in a cemetery. Much the same as it would be inappropriate to hang such decorations in your parish or place of worship, our catholic cemeteries must be given that same respect and dignity.

San Fernando Cemetery II and all the cemeteries within our archdiocese have always been very open and caring with regards to trying to accommodate visitors desires in remembering their loved ones. However, as in all cases, rules and regulations are established not to hinder but rather to define conditions and to protect those most dear to us. The issue of decorations and what is appropriate has always been very clear - only those decorations that reflect the spiritual nature of death are to be permitted. Those items that violate that condition need to be and are removed from gravesites as they are encountered. Sometimes the task can become monumental.

Invariably, we will receive calls from visitors to say they did not know we had rules or where they were posted. Although, the signs posted at the entrances are large and clear, it is possible for someone not to notice. That is why we don't rely on only one means of providing information. As I wrote in a previous article, communication is very important to us and it is an issue we take seriously. We have created and distributed over 3000 of the Rules/Guideline/Calendar booklets and distribute more daily. New issues are printed every year. We publish articles, such as this one, as a means of reaching out further to more people. We don't stop there. We took the initiative and are providing global access via the Internet, so we are available to anyone, anytime, day or night. And of course, our offices are open daily and we encourage people to call and ask before doing something that may not be permitted. Our efforts are not intended to be restrictive but rather to enhance the environment people find themselves in when they come to visit and to ensure that San Fernando and the our other cemeteries will continue to be a beautiful, safe, and restful place into perpetuity.