Funerals
Following the death of the loved one, the first step is to get in touch with a funeral director of your choice.
The funeral director will contact the parish office and the parish priest.
You will need to decide either on a burial or cremation.
The family will meet with the priest and together, arrangements are made.
Several weeks after the funeral a representative from the parish Bereavement Group will send you a letter of invitation for you, your family and friends to attend a memorial mass for your loved one.
The Columbarium
What is the Columbarium?
For many people raised in the catholic Church a columbarium is a new concept, but it actually has its roots in the early church when cemeteries were built on church property. Simply put, a columbarium is an edifice that houses cremated remains. It offers people the possibility of remaining, even after death, close to their local faith community.
A columbarium is so named because it is similar to the shelter where doves find rest. In fact, it derives its name from the Latin word ‘columba’ , meaning dove.
In sacred scripture the dove is a symbol of peace and so this columbarium is a place of peace where the dead find rest until the resurrection.
Who is able to be laid to rest there?
Those whose ashes may be interred in the columbarium include: a current parishioner or a former parishioner approved by the committee and/or a current or former parishioner and their spouse or partner; and/or a parishioner’s dependent child, including a child by adoption or who is a member of the parishioner’s step-family, or other non-dependent children as approved by the committee. The Columbarium niche can be reserved by a current or former parishioner who wishes to apply on behalf of a spouse or partner or dependent child who is deceased and/or a current or former parishioner aged 65 years or older who
wishes to reserve a niche in advance for themselves, spouse or partner; and/or a current or former parishioner who is terminally ill and wishes to reserve a niche in advance for themselves.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about the Columbarium, please contact the Parish Office or download the Parish Columbarium brochure using the button below