The act, which went into effect on March 1, 2010, provides consumer protections by erecting standards for cemetery management, sales and record-keeping.

Fisher said new the new regulation not only put diocesan cemeteries in regulatory compliance, but they have been "instrumental in creating consistency and efficiency and in producing favorable outcomes in the care of diocesan cemeteries and their records."

In another recent development, SB 1830, a trailer bill to the Cemetery Oversight Act, was signed into law by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Feb. 6. The trailer bill provides for some possible additional exemptions and a small percentage of diocesan cemeteries might fall under the provisions. However, Fisher said, diocesan regulations will take precedence, regardless of state exemptions.

"The diocese has worked diligently to establish unity among all of its cemeteries and the established diocesan Rules and Regulations for Cemeteries will remain in effect for all diocesan cemeteries," he said.

The Rules and Regulations for Cemeteries were developed by the Cemetery Advisory Board, formed in response to the initial legislation. The board's members purposely include diocesan staff, pastors and parish administrators, and a cemetery manager in order to ensure a broad perspective and insights from differing levels of cemetery involvement, Fisher said.

"What we have in our Advisory Board is a group of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of expertise to the table to discuss how we can best manage our cemeteries," Fisher said.

The board studied the legislation to form basic regulations that complied with the law and promoted quality management of the cemeteries. Fisher said the board continues to meet regularly to update policies and forms, discuss changes, review legislation, monitor compliance and address questions and concerns.

Diocesan officials recognize the fact that most Catholic cemeteries in the diocese have been well managed and well cared for, Fisher said.

"However, recent legislation has forced a closer look, allowing for some significant internal improvements that have helped to make the cemeteries even better," Fisher said. "Additionally, it has set some groundwork for consistency and standardization in the management of the cemeteries. It has provided the opportunity to build on strengths and recognize areas for improvement."

Included with some of the changes that have taken effect in the Catholic cemeteries of the diocese are standard, uniform contracts used at all cemeteries; proper record-keeping; and the creation and use of cemetery maps. The diocese is also implementing a web-based data system for all of its cemeteries in addition to the reporting/registering of all burials with the state. Cemetery managers also have additional resources available to them through the diocesan offices.

"Unity, consistency and standardization in contracts, maps, maintenance, record keeping and the overall day to day management of our cemeteries is essential to providing dignified services for the ongoing care of the final resting place of those loved ones," Fisher said.

Fisher said the church recognizes two places permanently consecrated by the bishop of a diocese: first, the parish church where the celebration of the Eucharist takes place and where many of the sacraments are received; and second, the Catholic cemetery, which is set aside as a special place for the faithful departed because of the belief in the resurrection and reuniting of the body and soul. In addition, canon 1243 of the Code of Canon Law states that "Appropriate norms are to be enacted by particular law for the management of cemeteries, especially in what concerns the protection and the fostering of their sacred character."

For more information on diocesan cemeteries or the recent legislation, contact Brad Fisher at the Catholic Pastoral Center, (217) 698-8500, ext. 193 or .