Columbarium
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a wall of niches to hold the ashes of those who have been cremated. The term “columbarium” comes from the Latin word for ‘dwelling place of a dove’. (Christians believe the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.) Columbaria can be found in many cemeteries and in some church grounds. While columbaria have existed for over a hundred years, the Catholic Church has allowed cremations only since the 1960s, hence a columbarium in a Catholic parish dates back only a few decades.
Construction
The first stage of our columbarium (named the St Mary MacKillop Wall) was completed in January 2014. It has been constructed with the same bricks with which the church was built. It is located between the church and Hardy Road, next to the Garden of Reflection. A new garden (including an olive tree) has been constructed next to the columbarium, and a grotto to Our Lady has been established opposite. A couple of seats have been provided for the comfort of those wishing to stay awhile. The aim was to provide a peaceful and respectful atmosphere which would enable family and friends to pray for, and reflect on, their loved ones who have died.
The columbarium comprises two sections – the traditional Niche Wall consisting of eighty-three niches into which cremated ashes will be placed, and a Memorial Wall consisting of 126 spaces for plaques to be placed in memory of loved ones who have been interred elsewhere.
The columbarium exists as a perpetual memorial to the life of the parish.
A columbarium is a wall of niches to hold the ashes of those who have been cremated. The term “columbarium” comes from the Latin word for ‘dwelling place of a dove’. (Christians believe the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.) Columbaria can be found in many cemeteries and in some church grounds. While columbaria have existed for over a hundred years, the Catholic Church has allowed cremations only since the 1960s, hence a columbarium in a Catholic parish dates back only a few decades.
Construction
The first stage of our columbarium (named the St Mary MacKillop Wall) was completed in January 2014. It has been constructed with the same bricks with which the church was built. It is located between the church and Hardy Road, next to the Garden of Reflection. A new garden (including an olive tree) has been constructed next to the columbarium, and a grotto to Our Lady has been established opposite. A couple of seats have been provided for the comfort of those wishing to stay awhile. The aim was to provide a peaceful and respectful atmosphere which would enable family and friends to pray for, and reflect on, their loved ones who have died.
The columbarium comprises two sections – the traditional Niche Wall consisting of eighty-three niches into which cremated ashes will be placed, and a Memorial Wall consisting of 126 spaces for plaques to be placed in memory of loved ones who have been interred elsewhere.
The columbarium exists as a perpetual memorial to the life of the parish.
Who can buy into the columbarium?
Our columbarium is available to parishioners, their families and those who have established ties with our parish. Purchases can be made now, even though the niche/memorial space may not be used for many years. A reservation cross is placed on the niche or memorial space to indicate it is taken. When a purchase is made, an Agreement between the applicant and the parish is signed.
Cost
Please contact the Parish Office on 3822 2139 or birkmmack@bne.catholic.net.au for information about the cost involved.
Plaque design
The plaques for our columbarium will be of a standard size and design. They will be made of cast bronze and have raised edges with corner nicks. The print style is Helvetica.
Niche wall plaque: 160mm wide x 210mm high [Niche dimensions: 130mm W x 180mm H x 360mm D]
Memorial wall plaque: 180mm wide x 65mm high
Access to the columbarium
Parishioners and their families and interested visitors are welcome to view the columbarium at any time, as long as they are respectful of anyone who may be reflecting or praying there. Access is through the Garden of Reflection on the northern side (Birdwood Road) of the church.
Funeral process
Following the funeral service, the coffin is taken to the crematorium where the cremation takes place. (The Rite of Committal may occur at the church or the crematorium.) Within a few days, the family is advised that the ashes are ready. (They are appropriately presented in a box that fits into the columbarium niche.) The family contacts the Parish Office to arrange for the plaque to be made (which may take up to six weeks), and for the internment of the ashes into the columbarium.
If the family requests it, a blessing may be arranged at the time of internment or at a later date.
In the case of the Memorial Wall (no ashes involved), the wording on the plaque is determined when required, and the plaque is attached when it is delivered.
Consecration of the columbarium
Our columbarium was blessed by our Parish Priest, Fr Frank Jones, on Sunday, 11 May, 2014.
More information: Contact Parish Office on 3822 2139 or birkmmack@bne.catholic.net.au
Our columbarium is available to parishioners, their families and those who have established ties with our parish. Purchases can be made now, even though the niche/memorial space may not be used for many years. A reservation cross is placed on the niche or memorial space to indicate it is taken. When a purchase is made, an Agreement between the applicant and the parish is signed.
Cost
Please contact the Parish Office on 3822 2139 or birkmmack@bne.catholic.net.au for information about the cost involved.
Plaque design
The plaques for our columbarium will be of a standard size and design. They will be made of cast bronze and have raised edges with corner nicks. The print style is Helvetica.
Niche wall plaque: 160mm wide x 210mm high [Niche dimensions: 130mm W x 180mm H x 360mm D]
Memorial wall plaque: 180mm wide x 65mm high
Access to the columbarium
Parishioners and their families and interested visitors are welcome to view the columbarium at any time, as long as they are respectful of anyone who may be reflecting or praying there. Access is through the Garden of Reflection on the northern side (Birdwood Road) of the church.
Funeral process
Following the funeral service, the coffin is taken to the crematorium where the cremation takes place. (The Rite of Committal may occur at the church or the crematorium.) Within a few days, the family is advised that the ashes are ready. (They are appropriately presented in a box that fits into the columbarium niche.) The family contacts the Parish Office to arrange for the plaque to be made (which may take up to six weeks), and for the internment of the ashes into the columbarium.
If the family requests it, a blessing may be arranged at the time of internment or at a later date.
In the case of the Memorial Wall (no ashes involved), the wording on the plaque is determined when required, and the plaque is attached when it is delivered.
Consecration of the columbarium
Our columbarium was blessed by our Parish Priest, Fr Frank Jones, on Sunday, 11 May, 2014.
More information: Contact Parish Office on 3822 2139 or birkmmack@bne.catholic.net.au