May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
THE COLUMBARIUM AT THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Frequently Asked Questions
The Columbarium at the Church of The Epiphany provides a special place at the Church for the internment of the cremains of deceased parishioners and their families.
WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?
It is a group of niches, which contain the cremated remains of the departed.
WHY DOES A COLUMBARIUM BELONG AT THE CHURCH?
The church has traditionally been the natural repository and final resting place of the deceased members of the Christian community. Burial inside the church was once reserved to honor the noteworthy, clerics, nobles and citizens. The church grounds often contained the graveyard for the parish members. As cities grew and land became less available the church often set up central cemeteries which served many parishes. Cremation makes it possible, since it has become the accepted alternative to burial, to return to the parish. Currently there are thousands of columbaria throughout the country.
I UNDERSTAND MANY ARE CHOOSING CREMATION. IS THIS BECAUSE THE COST IS LOWER?
While it is true that the cost of cremation is substantially less than that of body burial, many are choosing and planning cremation because of other factors. These include the simplicity and dignity of cremation services, environmental concerns, and flexibility that cremation offers to ceremony planning and in the disposition of the remains.
IF CREMATION IS CHOSEN, IS A FUNERAL HOME CALLED AT THE TIME OF DEATH?
No, if you do not wish to do so, it is not necessary to engage the services of a separate funeral home. However, some families may wish to utilize the other services a funeral home offers.
Whenever possible it is always best to make arrangements in advance. This can be done in consultation with the Priest and the funeral home.
ADVANTAGES TO PREPAYING CREMATION COSTS
There are advantages to prepayment. This means that no further money will be due at any time. This financial advantage also will prevent your survivors from having to pay for your last needs at a time when circumstances such as a catastrophic illness might have reduced their ability to pay without hardship. The other advantage is not related to costs; it has to do with the desire many people feel to be independent and to take care of their own needs without placing the burden on others. This consideration also applies to people who feel it is likely that at the time of death, they will have no family members to take care of their final arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CREMATORY? CAN A FAMILY MEMBER OR CLERGY BE PRESENT?
The deceased is placed in a combustible box and placed intact in the cremation chamber. Family or clergy can choose to be present at the initiation of the cremation process. Family or clergy can choose to receive the remains at the crematory or some other designated place.
DOES A BODY HAVE TO BE EMBALMED BEFORE CREMATION?
Embalming is necessary ONLY if there is to be a public viewing or if the body is taken into a church.
WHAT DO CREMATED REMAINS THAT ARE RETURNED TO THE FAMILY LOOK LIKE?
Unless a container is furnished the cremated remains are returned in a plain temporary container. All cremains that are to be interred in the Church’s columbarium are required to be placed in a permanent urn. The urn must be brass, rectangular and 5 ½” wide by 7” high. They are available through Munson-Lovetere or Carpino Funeral Homes.
MAY I HAVE A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL SERVICE?
Absolutely. The family may wish to conduct a traditional funeral with the urn of ashes, rather than the body present in the church. The funeral service will remain the same. A simple internment ceremony can also take place in the Columbarium. Call the Church for arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT CREMATION, BUT A FAMILY MEMBER IS OPPOSED TO THIS CHOICE?
It is always best if agreement can be reached that the family will respect the wishes of a person who has chosen cremation. Discussion with a cremation counselor, funeral director, clergyman, chaplain or other advisor may help with this decision. If agreement cannot be reached before death occurs, the person choosing cremation may decide to make plans for cremation despite the opposition. In this case, one should ensure that the will specifies the desire for cremation and that plans are on file with the cremation provider.
IS THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY PLEDGING TO TEND THE COLUMBARIUM IN PERPETUITY?
As long as the Church of The Epiphany exists, it will exercise their best efforts to care for the columbarium, the ashes inurned, the urns, and the memorial markers.
WHAT TYPE OF FLOWER, PLANTS OR DECORATIONS MAY I PLACE ON THE NICHE?
Cut flowers, plants and seasonal wreaths may be displayed on the niche covers for one week only provided they are tastefully presented and properly cared for. Visitors should be advised that any flowers, wreaths and memorials will be removed after a week and disposed of by the Church. Your understanding in keeping the beauty of your loved ones resting place is appreciated.
WHAT RECORDS WILL BE MAINTAINED?
Records of each location reserved for an inurnment, and the date and location within the Columbarium of each actual inurnment will be maintained in the Church office. The Church office also will keep a master grid chart of the Columbaria and a record of the personal information of each person inurned. Information on memorial and other gifts designated specifically for the Columbarium.
MAY I SPECIFY A DESIRED NICHE LOCATION?
Yes. Niches are selected and assigned on a first come, first served basis. Upon the first payment towards the niche, the purchaser may specify a desired niche or niches.
WHAT PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION APPEARS ON THE CAPSTONE?
Only the name, birth and death dates will be inscribed on the capstone. No other form of inscription, marker or monument or any floral decoration will not be allowed.
THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF NICHES. HOW WILL THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ACCOMMODATE THOSE OF FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO WISH TO BE INTERRED HERE?
This problem may be more theoretical than real. Over the years, many parishioners will decide to be buried in plots elsewhere.
HOW MAY I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION?
If you have other questions or would like additional information, please contact the office administrator.
