By: By Tom Dermody

Catholic cemeteries in the Diocese of Peoria are impacted by tighter state regulations that took effect this spring, but the anxiety level for managers at Catholic parishes or cemetery associations should be low.

“This is a ministry and mission of the church. I think our code of ethics is much higher than what the state demands,” said Carol Giambalvo, director of Catholic Cemeteries in the Diocese of Rockford.

Giambalvo presented an update on Illinois’ Cemetery Oversight Act to more than 100 cemetery officials from around the diocese who gathered July 27 at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria. Also speaking was Roman F. Szabelski, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The state passed the new regulations, which took effect March 1, in response to serious abuses discovered last summer at Burr Oak Cemetery, a privately owned, historic cemetery southwest of Chicago. Allegations that workers at Burr Oak dug up dozens of graves, dumped the bodies, and resold the plots made national headlines.

Szabelski, who was appointed by the courts to govern Burr Oak during the investigation, called the conditions at that cemetery last summer “beyond imagination.”

“Because of what happened at Burr Oak, we’re at this meeting,” he told the group of diocesan cemetery officials. Szabelski and Giambalvo are giving a similar presentation in all six Illinois dioceses, explaining those aspects of the new legislation that apply to Catholic cemeteries.

“This legislation is going to spread throughout the country,” said Giambalvo. It is important, she said, that Catholic cemeteries in Illinois “do it right” not only to avoid fines and unnecessary fees but so that religious exemptions fought for in Illinois are included elsewhere.

Among the new regulations explained at the July 27 meeting is the establishment of a statewide Cemetery Oversight Database. Within a set period of time after an interment, entombment, or inurnment, all cemeteries will be required to enter the record of such burial into the database.

Other regulations require cemeteries to be “maintained reasonably;” offer a map showing all lots, plots, etc.; post signs supplied by the state in English and Spanish that contain a consumer hotline number; disclose a standardized price list; and follow set procedures in responding to complaints.

“The citizens of Illinois have a compelling interest in the expectation that their loved ones will be treated with the same dignity and respect in death as they are entitled to be treated in life,” reads the legislation.

That bar is always inherently higher for Catholic cemeteries, said the speakers — including Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who offered opening remarks.

“We have Catholic cemeteries for very special reasons,” said Bishop Jenky. He briefly outlined the church’s teaching on the sanctity of the body, the tradition of praying for the dead, and belief in the resurrection of the dead.

“All of us need to remember that this ministry has to do with our faith, our beliefs, and passing those on to the next generation,” said Bishop Jenky.

Funerals, he told the group, can be “a great time to evangelize,” and Catholic cemetery officials “are on the front lines” of that effort.
Bishop Jenky said it was “impressive” that the room was filled for the first-of-its kind gathering. Those attending asked numerous questions during the presentation and conversations about cemetery issues and experiences continued long after the meeting ended.

Giambalvo urged Catholic cemetery representatives to meet with and show compassion to families and not delegate responsibilities to other businesses.

“We have to watch what’s going on,” she told the group. “Not funeral directors, not monument companies. We work with (those businesses), not for them.”

Also expressing gratitude for the efforts of Catholic cemetery officials throughout the diocese were Deacon Robert Myers, diocesan director of Catholic cemeteries, and Deacon Bob Sondag, vice chancellor.

“The dialogue will continue,” promised Deacon Sondag.