Important communications regarding the addition of a columbarium at St. Mary Parish will take place after each of the Masses over the All Saints/All Souls Weekend of November 2nd and 3rd. The project budget is yet to be established. The scope and budget of the project will depend on the number of parishioners willing to pledge to buy niches within a columbarium. Commitments are expected to be made by November 10, 2024. Although details of the project will de- pend on the budget, bench marking with other parishes indicate that parishioners can expect a niche to cost a one-time fee of up to $3,000, which would house two sets of cremains. The number of commitments will determine if the project will move forward. Please prayerfully consider your intentions and prepare to make a commitment if interested.

Commitment Forms are available at the Display Board and completed forms can be placed in the box at the Display Board, in the collection basket, or mailed to, or dropped off at, the parish office.

General Columbarium Information

From a practical standpoint, a columbarium is a structure that houses several compartments known as “niches” that are designed to store human cremains (cremated remains) and provide a sacred place for interment.

Typically, the costs associated with cremation are considerably less expensive than that of a traditional burial.

The Church raises no doctrinal objections to cremation. Details regarding Church teaching can be found on the website http://www.catholic-cemeteries.org.

Additional information can be found on the Display Board in the Narthex or feel free to contact any committee member (Barb Bever, Holly Currier, Lou Dionne, Ed Fiegle, Paul Kessler, or Tanya Sanchez).