Answers to some common questions about a Catholic Columbarium
Select a Frequently Asked Question to reveal the answer below.
It is a group of niches that contain the cremated remains of the departed. A niche is a designated space in the Columbarium that contains the ashes of one deceased individual. The remains are placed in an urn. A bronze faceplate with the name of the individual’s date of birth and date of death is attached to the individual niche. A niche in a Columbarium is modest in cost and ecologically sound. The design of the Columbarium invites solitary contemplation and meditation. It also becomes a peaceful gathering place for families and friends to assemble in prayer, love and remembrance.
Yes, the Columbarium can be expanded or relocated. The modular structure and design of the Columbarium presents no problem, and the eventuality of expansion is incorporated into the design.
Yes, in May 1963 the Vatican’s Holy Office (now the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. This permission was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon #1176), as well as, into the Order of Christian Funerals. It then became standard practice to celebrate the funeral liturgies with the body and then take the body to the crematorium. Most recently, the Bishops of the United States and Holy See have authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before the funeral.
No
The Church prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. However, in the American culture, cremation often takes place soon after death, and it is permissible to cremate the body prior to the liturgy.
When cremation follows the funeral liturgy, embalming is usually necessary. When cremation follows soon after death, embalming is usually not necessary.
No, the only thing required is a simple container in which the body can be transported and placed in the cremation chamber. If the body is present for the funeral liturgy, a casket is rented, not purchased.
Yes, the cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. (Order of Christian Funerals #417).
No. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (Order of Christian Funerals #417)
Yes, burial at sea of cremated remains differs from scattering. An appropriate and worthy container, heavy enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped into the sea. The burial of cremated remains at sea in this manner is an appropriate alternative to the long-standing and revered custom of a traditional burial at sea. Please consult your local government for environmental regulations. (Order of Christian Funerals #406.4).
In most cases you make the decision to be cremated. You can make your wishes known in your will or in documents designed to help plan and prepare your funeral.
All the usual rites which are celebrated with a body present are also celebrated in the presence of cremated remains. The United States Bishops have written new prayers and have printed them as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. During the liturgies the cremated remains are treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
The answer to this question depends on various factors just as in the case of funerals with the body. The place of death, the location of the crematory, scheduling a time for cremation, the schedule at the parish church, and other circumstances can impact the timing. Generally, once all arrangements have been made there are usually several days between the death and the celebration of the funeral liturgy.
Significant attention is given to the primary symbols of the Catholic funeral liturgy as stated in the Order of Christian Funerals and its commentaries. The Pascal candle and the sprinkling with holy water are primary symbols of baptism and will be used during the Funeral Mass. However, the pall is not used. Photos and other mementos may be used at the vigil, but are not appropriate for the Mass. During the mass the cremated remains will be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. The remains are to be sealed in a “worthy vessel”. They may be carried in procession and/or placed on a table where the coffin normally would be with the Easter candle nearby (Order of Christian Funerals, #427). The body is always laid to rest with solemnity and dignity. So, too, the Order of Christian Funerals provides for the internment of cremated remains. (Order of Christian Funerals #417)
It is your choice. If the body is to be present for the Funeral Mass, then a funeral home is called. If cremation is to take place soon after death, then a crematory or funeral home is called depending on your wishes.
Yes. The urn you purchase should be able to fit inside a 12” x 12” x 12” niche.
Yes. Arrangements need to be made and the Church needs to procure the bronze faceplate for the niche in the columbarium. It may take two to six weeks from the time the order is placed to receive the bronze faceplate.