At Gate of Heaven Cemetery, we understand that questions about Catholic burial, funeral rites, and grief support often arise during some of life’s most tender moments. This page is here to help, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always available.
Visiting Gate of Heaven
Cemetery Grounds are Open as follows: 7 Days a Week from sunrise to sunset.
Cemetery Office is Open as follows: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Flower and Decoration Guidelines can be found under Rules and Regulations.
There is occasional pilferage within the cemetery by both animals and humans. The cemetery is not responsible for lost or stolen flowers or decorations. We may remove, at our discretion, an item in a breakable container (these are not allowed at any time) or one left lying on the lawn.
Sorry, though we understand the bond between pet owner and pet, like all other cemeteries of which we are aware, dogs (and all pets) are prohibited on cemetery grounds. Please leave your pets at home or keep them safely in your car when visiting.
Yes, there are two kiosks located in the Administrative Building’s lobby. Please follow the instructions on the screen, and a map for your loved one will be printed. Alternatively, if you access our website from your mobile device, you may use our Locate a Loved One Tool that will walk you directly to their gravesite.
Cemetery Grounds & Markers
This is due to the settling process that takes time to complete.
If you are encountering issues with your vase, please call our office to request a work order at 513-489-0300, or use the questionnaire form under the Contact page on our website.
If your loved one’s marker does not include a military emblem, our volunteers may not place a flag at their gravesite. We are constantly trying to update past records. If your loved one is a veteran and does not have a military emblem on their marker, please contact us at 513-489-0300 or use the questionnaire form under the Contact page on our website.
This is due to the settling process, but the underlying cause is because of the gravel moving between vaults over time due to rain water. This movement can create a cavity underground which is extremely difficult to fill in. Gravity will eventually cause sunken areas that can be filled in at the surface. If this is noticed by the grounds crew or a family a work order is created and the grave is back-filled to level it out.
Usually, it is the deer, groundhogs and geese. They will also bite artificial flowers, discover they aren’t tasty, and spit them out or fling them aside with a shake of their heads. God’s creatures are abundant at Gate of Heaven, and depending upon your opinion, either a blessing or a nuisance.
We strive to set markers at 16 weeks or 4 months after date of service. This is also the time the grave is seeded, if weather permits. The reason we wait 16 weeks is to allow the grave to settle before putting on the weight of a granite marker. Without waiting the marker would simply sink into the ground.
Mowing and Trimming Schedule can be found under Rules and Regulations.
Canadian geese are a protected species. We contract with a geese control expert who helps us keep their numbers to a minimum. Geese droppings are a nuisance, but are normal in the natural setting we have created at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. They will eventually wash into the soil with a moderate to heavy rain and become fertilizer.
Why Choose a Catholic Cemetery?
Choosing a cemetery is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. Learn how Gate of Heaven Cemetery serves Cincinnati families with Catholic burial rooted in faith, dignity, and the hope of the Resurrection.
