THE COLUMBARIUM
The Cathedral
I am the Good
Shepherd
I know my sheep.
THE COLUMBARIUM
The Cathedral
I am the Good
Shepherd
I know my sheep.
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What is a Columbarium?
The word Columbarium refers to a place designated for the inurnment of the ashes of the dead. Since the earliest days of the Christian Church, disciples have been concerned with the reverent disposal of the remains of the faithful departed. Such remains were typically placed in cemeteries, crypts and columbaria set apart, that is blessed, for this purpose. Logically, the most treasured location for such reposition was within the church grounds.
At the Cathedral Church of All Saints the place chosen for this focus of reverence is the Narthex, or entryway of the Cathedral. While this represents an area of convenient access, it also ensures proximity to the sacred space of the church and thus encourages an atmosphere of prayer and recollection around death.
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The initial plan for the Columbarium was undertaken in 2002 with the Chapter approval, for the installation of 104 niches on the west side of the Narthex, with the possibility for future expanson if the need arises. This installation, designed and executed by the Studios of E. J. Potente of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been realized with sensitivity to the specific architectural character and liturgical practices of the Cathedral. The central focus of the Columbarium is the Good Shepherd Shrine and the Kemper Altar.
Concerning Cremation
Cremation of the bodies of the departed has long been an accepted practice within the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion. With an ever expanding population and an increasing concern for land use, coupled with escalating burial expenses, cremation has become a more common practice. From a theological and liturgical perspective, cremation does not in any way alter the practice or custom of the church at the time of burial. Following the Requiem Eucharist in the church, the ashes of the departed, contained in a simple urn, are placed in a designated columbarium niche and the Committal portion of the funeral service is prayed in the presence of family members and/or friends. Once the service is over and the necessary preparations are completed, the niche into which the urn has been placed is closed with a permanent cover and an appropriately engraved nameplate is affixed.
The Cathedral's Columbarium
In early 2002 the Chapter of All Saints' Cathedral approved the establishment a Columbarium at the Cathedral. The Columbarium is under the direction of the Columbarium Board, which consists of the Dean and three members of the Cathedral in good standing, who are elected by Chapter for a three-year term upon the recommendation of the Dean. While the Board serves under the direction of the Chapter, it alone directs the financial account pertaining to the Columbarium. These monies, received at the time of the signing of A CERTIFICATE OF RECEIPT, are held in a separate fund for the construction and maintenance of the Columbarium.
In order to establish a Columbarium at All Saints' an initial building plan has been undertaken with Chapter approval. The installation of 104 niches on the west side of the Narthex has been approved, with the possibility for future expansion if the need arises. This installation, designed and executed by the Studios of E. J. Potente of
Eligibility and Cost
All Saints’ Cathedral Columbarium serves as a visible witness to the Church’s understanding of the Communion of Saints. Our intention is to provide for the final resting place for the cremated remains of members of the Cathedral and their families as well as other individuals within the Diocese. The Columbarium proper is a part of the fabric of the Cathedral and as such is placed under the spiritual and legal care of the Dean, Wardens and Chapter.
The initial cost of the right to the use of a niche is $1,000.00, which includes the urn for the remains, the cost of engraving the name plate (with the name, date of birth and date of death of the departed), and inurnment in the Columbarium. Urns may be provided by a Funeral Director or other source designated by the survivors but must conform to the dimensions specified in the TERMS AND CONDITIONS document to allow for convenient installation. Similarly, the TERMS AND CONDITIONS document clarifies other matters having to do with the details of eligibility requirements and other aspects of the administration and management of the Columbarium. This document is made available to all potential users of the Columbarium at the time of their initial inquiry.
Spiritual Counsel
The Dean and assisting clergy of All Saints' Cathedral are concerned with the pastoral needs of its members. Both in life and death the Church seeks to witness to the truth of the Gospel and to form and guide us in the way of Christian faith as understood by this Church. Inherent in this ministry is a responsibility to help members cope with the reality of death and dying issues, both for themselves and others. It has been the consistent teaching of the Episcopal Church that its members should make necessary preparations for their own death, insure the solidity of a profound resurrection faith and (when appropriate) provide for the care of survivors. It is singularly appropriate that burial plans be made as a part of this preparation.
Preparation for a reverent facing of death should not be regarded as morbid or inappropriate. In fact, such preparation is fully consistent with our understanding of the faith journey and is a sign of effective Christian stewardship. Therefore all parishioners are encouraged to talk these matters over with appropriate persons, including the clergy and family members. Death confronts us with many questions and decisions that are best made in consultation with knowledgeable sources. Among these questions none is more pressing than addressing the spirituality of death. Your clergy are trained for this purpose and are available to serve you in this regard.
Additional matters such as a Durable Power of Attorney (for financial matters) and Health Care Power of Attorney, organ donation, funeral arrangements and bequests of estate are other important dimensions of estate planning every person should consider. These issues can be the subject of spiritual counsel with the clergy or referral to other competent professionals.
For more detailed information please contact the Cathedral Office:
Cathedral Church of All Saints
414.271.7719