Holy Cross Cemetery, Ovid
St. James Cemetery, Trumansburg
The parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, as a religious corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, owns and operates both St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross cemeteries in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the rules and discipline of the Diocese of Rochester.
Cemetery Rates:
(effective Jan. 1, 2023)
$700 – to purchase the right to burial in a grave with perpetual care in the traditional part of the cemetery (the cemetery retains title to land and property)
$800 – Inter and maintain a traditional burial
Additional charges:
• add $100 for burials between Nov. 1 and April 1
• add $250 for weekend and holiday burials
$500 – Inter and maintain cremains in an already purchased plot.
General guidelines:
- Cremains do not need to be placed in a vault.
- One person’s cremains may share a burial plot with a family member.
- Stone markers need to match the size and orientation of the rest of the cemetery and may only use images associated with the Roman Catholic faith. Stone markers need permission of cemetery staff before being placed in cemetery.
- No trees may be planted by individual graves. Plants and other objects placed on or near a grave need the permission of the cemetery staff. The staff reserves the right to remove items that hinder proper maintenance. Glass items are especially dangerous and prohibited.
- Mulch, ground covers, fencing, or edging is not allowed around any gravestones or graves.
- When a person purchases a plot, the cemetery retains title to the land and property. The purchaser acquires the right of burial.
Green Burial Section (presently only available at St. James the Apostle Cemetery):
$950 – to purchase a plot in the green section of the cemetery
Guidelines for the Green Burial Section:
In general, natural or “green” burial sites attempt to minimize the use of fossil fuels and chemicals and to retain the natural flora, fauna, and appearance of the site.
- When a person purchases a plot, the cemetery retains title to the land and property. The purchaser acquires the right of burial.
- Cremains may not be placed in the green section.
- A green burial cannot be mixed with a traditional burial.
- Opening and closing of a grave should be done by hand, when possible.
- Families may opt to dig the grave for their deceased family member.
- Markers must be natural or unpolished stone.
- Artificial plants and containers are not allowed, nor is mulch or any kind of ground covering.
If you are interested in being buried in either St. James the Apostle Cemetery or Holy Cross Cemetery, or are interested in more information about either cemetery, please call Pamela Jones, the cemetery manager, at 315–539–2944 ext. 303 or 315–283–8042, or contact the parish office.
