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Indiana woman sues Catholic church over banning husband’s NASCAR tombstone


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http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/10/indiana-woman-sues-catholic-church-over-banning-husbands-nascar-tombstone/

 

The Rev. Jonathan Meyer, a priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Indianapolis, is refusing to let the widow of a NASCAR enthusiast use the $9,600 black granite headstone she purchased to honor her late husband, the Associated Press reported Sunday.

 

The Indiana woman, Sharon Carr, is suing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, arguing that the clergy gave her no regulations for the plot of her husband, Jason Carr, who died in an August 2009 automobile accident, until after she tried to have the headstone put up. Meyer reportedly refused on the grounds that it did not meet the cemetery’s aesthetic standards and claims the rules were known prior to burial.

 

“We have consistently communicated the same message prior to the purchase and after the purchase,” he said. “We did not think a granite couch was an appropriate monument in our historic cemetery.”

 

 

 

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ah, when two ridiculous things clash...

 

does it even matter who "wins" at that point.

 

It doesn't matter.  I walk through Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville and see all kinds of extravagant monuments.  Colonel Sanders, The Magician Collins, etc...  Those extravagant monuments are in sections of the cemetery that allow them.  Some of the sections do not allow anything other than a flat bronze marker.  Catholic cemeteries are conservative and have rules for monuments.

 

In other words, if you know someone who is being buried in a cemetery ensure that all pertinent questions are asked beforehand.  In regards to headstones:

 

http://www.everlifememorials.com/v/headstones/regulations-cemetery-headstones.htm

 

Questions to ask:


•What type of cemetery headstones are allowed? Example: Upright headstone, flat bronze grave marker, flat granite grave marker, side by side companion, double interment grave marker, individual, infant, or veteran's marker, etc.

•Regarding a companion memorial, which side is the husband and wife on? Traditionally the husband is on the left and wife on the right, that is when viewing from the foot of the graves

•What are the minimum and maximum sizes allowed for cemetery headstones? A cemetery usually has a range of sizes they allow for the headstone. Make sure the size you purchase is within their range.

•Is a flower vase allowed? Some types of cemetery headstones are available with a flower vase in bronze or granite. Make sure your cemetery allows a vase before selecting this option.

•Are there any granite color restrictions? While most cemeteries do not regulate granite color, a number of them will stipulate the color of granite allowed, especially for bronze markers with a granite base.

•If they allow bronze markers, do they restrict the bronze coloring? Some cemeteries refer to the bronze coloring as oxidation. Most cemeteries allow any bronze coloring, but a few will restrict the color to dark or light brown. Make sure you know what colors are allowed before selecting this option.

•What other particular specifications do they require? A few cemeteries will have specific requirements such as lawn mower proof edges (for the granite), specific size requirements for the granite base, or that a Christian symbol be incorporated into the memorial design (Catholic cemeteries). It is wise to be aware of any particular requirements before finalizing a headstone order.

•Is any paperwork required for the placement of a cemetery headstone? Cemeteries often have special forms such as a permit or authorization that need to be filled out for the placement of a cemetery headstone. These forms often require the signature of the lot owner(s) or next of kin before they accept a headstone for installation.

•Is there an installation fee applicable to cemetery headstone? If the cemetery will install the headstone then there is most likely an installation fee. This is normal as they are performing a service.

 

 The time to think about a funeral is well before it happens.  The above list is just some of the things regarding headstones which is what the original article is about.  I can imagine that most people don't talk about these things enough and as a result are left scrambling when the time comes.  Leave specific instructions and do the research yourself so that loved ones are not left wondering what to do.

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