Columbarium Information
You are invited to
COLUMBARIUM TOWNHALL
Thursday, July 30 at 7-8:30 p.m.
Brown-McCarthy Auditorium
We have been diligently working on the SJN Columbarium Project for over three years. Progress has been significant, and the Columbarium Team invites you to come learn what happens now. We will share answers to many of the questions you have been asking, including cost.
This will be the first of two Columbarium Townhalls. The second will be in early fall before the anticipated groundbreaking and prior to beginning to accept niche reservations.
We invite all parishioners to come learn about this meaningful project and beautiful addition to our faithful community.
Please RSVP to attend.
Columbarium Townhall RSVP
Catholic Teaching on Burial
As faithful Catholics, burying the dead is one of our corporal works of mercy. In faith and hope of the Resurrection, we believe that the caring for life is a responsibility continuing on to the death of the body. Therefore, the bodies of the dead must be treated with utmost respect and charity. Many families find comfort in cremation and knowing their cremains are being laid to rest on sacred ground. In 1963, the Catholic Church approved cremation for any faithful choosing this burial option. The construction of a columbarium and memorial garden at St. John Neumann Catholic Church allows us to provide a final resting place for our parishioners on our
holy ground.
All aspects of the construction and perpetual maintenance of the columbarium will be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Diocese of Arlington and with Canon Law as interpreted by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Can Catholics be cremated?
In 1963, the Church lifted the prohibition of cremation, provided that the cremated remains are treated with respect and dignity, acknowledging the Catholic teaching on the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul.
“Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.”
The Order of Christian Funerals no.413
Do cremains have to be inurned in a columbarium?
Cremains must be kept in a worthy vessel on sacred ground, either in a columbarium or mausoleum or buried in a cemetery.
The scattering of ashes, dividing of ashes among relatives, and keeping of ashes in the home are all contrary to the Church’s beliefs of dignity for the body and therefore are forbidden. Additionally, cremains may not be comingled and only human remains may be inurned in the columbarium.
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a permanent structure built to reverently house the cremains of the deceased. It consists of niches, where cremains can be properly cared for in perpetuity. Like a cemetery, a columbarium is an appropriate and holy place to rest our dead as we wait in hope of the Resurrection.
Why build a columbarium at St. John Neumann?
Throughout history, cemeteries on Church property have been the preferred burial place for deceased members of a parish. In recent years, cremation with inurnment has become more common. Building a columbarium and peaceful memorial garden on-site gives members the option to be laid to rest here on our holy ground and be remembered at the church that was a significant part of their lives.
How will the columbarium be financed?
The columbarium will initially be financed using existing savings, entirely separate from the church’s operating budget. Once constructed, the Columbarium and Memorial Garden will be sustained by the proceeds from Right of Inurnment Agreements. A percentage of additional funds will be invested to provide for perpetual care.
Who can be inurned in the St. John Neumann Columbarium?
Initially, inurnment will be allowed for St. John Neumann registered parishioners and their immediate family members.
How many niches will be built?
Plans are for the columbarium to have 748 niches. Sixty-three will be 8x8 niches and the remaining will be 12x12 niches.
Please note: The term we will use, "right of inurnment," is equivalent to "purchasing a niche." In reality, it is the right to use the space for perpetuity — not a purchase.
Also, note, the Columbarium will have two sizes of niches:
A. 8x8: This size niche has the capacity for two urns, dependent upon the size of the urn, however, this size will be reserved for single urn inurnment only.
B. 12x12: This size niche has the capacity for four urns, again, dependent upon the size of the urns. A majority of the niches are this size.
Further details, including cost and timing, will be available at the July 30 Columbarium Townhall.
