What is a Columbarium?
The name comes from the Latin “columbary” meaning “a structure provided for the nesting of doves.” The dove is a symbol of God’s spirit and peace.
A columbarium is a free-standing structure consisting of small niches designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. Each niche may contain the cremation urn of a single individual or two urns to accommodate a husband and wife or a parent and child.
Cremation and the Church
Theologically, cremation is not a modern concept and in no way discounts the Christian understanding of resurrection of the body and life everlasting. It simply speeds the natural process by which the body decomposes in burial. Cremation does not change God’s plan for us and cannot educate our love for the deceased.
Christians have stated their belief in the life to come. The resurrection assurance does not depend on the presentation of one’s mortal remains. The power of the resurrection applies every bit as much to those who have died from explosives or accidents, or those whose bodies cannot be recovered, as it does to those whose bodies are burned in a crematory. Cremation, therefore, is entirely consistent with a Christian’s understanding of the resurrection.
Choosing cremation doesn’t mean giving up the options associated with a traditional funeral. It only means that in the final process the body will be cremated instead of being buried. Visitation and viewing are common options and may require embalming and either renting or purchasing a casket. If there is to be no open casket viewing, or visitation prior to the church ceremony, embalming may not be required.
For more information submit the request form below or call the parish office at 706-863-4956 to request an appointment.
Columbarium Grounds Rules and Policies
