Creating a columbarium ministry at St. Jude will allow us to fulfill the centuries-old obligation of serving from baptism to death. As the rite of baptism welcomes members into the church community, the centuries-old rite of Christian burial offers us a final homecoming and provides comfort to the living, with the knowledge that their loved ones are near their spiritual gathering place. A columbarium revives this churchyard tradition.
In addition to meeting these needs, a columbarium ministry will strengthen ties between church and family. Family members are more likely to maintain their connection to the church, as visitations are now made easier. No longer will they have to pack up the car and drive to a secular, often distant cemetery to visit a loved one’s final resting place. The family can visit anytime and especially reflect before or after coming to Mass.
The vast majority of churches choose to develop a columbarium in an exterior setting, often in a memorial garden setting, and we have done likewise. Our columbarium is on the west wall of the church (look to the right as you are entering the church) behind the bell tower, adjacent to the flag pole and rose garden. We believe this outdoor setting allow for convenient visits in a safe and secure setting.
The St Jude Columbarium is active and is accepting reservations. There are 72 single niches and 264 double niches in the columbarium.
A packet of information concerning the Columbarium policies, paper work and further information can be obtained in the sacristy or in the parish office if you are interested in purchasing a niche, or if you have any questions about the columbarium, please stop by the parish office. Office hours are 9-3 M through F. If those hours are not convenient for you, please call the office at 423-870-2386 to make other arrangements.
According to Diocesan policy, the Parish has established a Columbarium Board to be responsible for the Management of the Columbarium. The Board Bylaws are available in the church office.
The Columbarium is ready for occupancy. Several parishioners have already been laid to rest there. There are 72 single niches and 264 double niches in the columbarium. You may reserve and pay for yours now for future use, or inquire as you find you may need one more immediately.
Single Occupancy Unit Fee |
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Niche Fee | 800 |
Niche
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Spun Aluminum Urn Cylinder
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Tile Face Stone
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Inurnment (non Refundable)
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Engraving Fee
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Opening/Closing Fee | 200 |
Total for one person niche |
1000 |
Double Occupancy Unit Fee |
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Niche Fee | 1600 |
Niche
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Spun Aluminum Urn Cylinder (two)
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Tile Face Stone
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Inurnment (non Refundable)
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Engraving Fee
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Opening/Closing Fee | 200 |
Total for Two person niche |
1800 |
No. Theologically, the Roman Catholic Church maintains a preference for bodily burial rather than cremation. That preference should be reflected in all literature regarding the columbarium. The Roman Catholic Church does, however, recognize cremation and inurnment in a columbarium as an alternative for bodily burial subject to certain requirements of canon law of the Roman Catholic Church. In particular, Canons 1184, 1201, 1213 and 1243 and perhaps others, and diocesan law statutes and policy regarding crematories and/or columbaria must be adhered to in the establishment, maintenance and use of a columbarium. The Church prefers that the body be present for the final burial rites with cremation following later unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Under no circumstances is scattering ashes on church property permitted. Further, the pastor of St. Jude parish is its administrator and has final authority regarding the administration of the columbarium.
Some people may regard it as such, but most families feel that the cremated remains of someone they love should be afforded a resting place that can be identified by the name and dates. This is memorialization. Most families find that a memorial, regardless of size, serves a basic human need to remember and be remembered.
Now that it is more widely understood, cremation has gained acceptance as a “thoughtful” and caring process, usually representing the carefully-considered wishes of the deceased. Families have learned that cremation is, after all, preparation for memorialization – not simply a final disposition. Virtually everyone, according to psychologists who have studied the subject of death and grieving, needs to know that the remains of loved ones have been honored and can be visited again. Contrary to what some people believe, cremation does not limit one’s choices. Cremation, in fact, is only one part in a series of events that lead to long-term respect and remembrance. Inurnment in a church columbarium will help perpetuate this.
The choice of cremation does not necessarily take the place of a traditional funeral. A traditional service will still normally be planned to take place before the cremation process (including a viewing). In fact, the Roman Catholic Church prefers the presence of the body at the funeral rite with cremation taking place at a later time. With a columbarium at the church, family members can gather at a convenient time for the final committal of the cremated remains. A ceremony may be highly personalized to reflect the life of the deceased and, thus, have special meaning for those present.
Families who choose cremation for their departed loved ones rather than conventional burial will find the columbarium a wonderful option – dignified, convenient, and affordable.