Holy Angels Columbarium

CREMATION

In 1964, the Vatican lifted the prohibition on cremation and this permission was incorporated into the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Canon 1176: “The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying bodies be observed: it does not, however, forbid cremations unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.” The permission for cremation does not apply to “aquamation” or “water cremation,” formally called akaline hydrolysis. The USCCB explains “This procedure does not show adequate respect for the human body, nor express hope in the resurrection.“

The appendix to The Order of Christian Funerals states, “The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (no. 417)”

WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM

A columbarium is a strutcture built for the reverent holding of cremated human remains. The word columbarium comes from the Latin word columba, which means dove, as the niches a very similar to structures built to house doves and pigeons, also called a dovekie.

RESPECT FOR THE CREMATED REMAINS OF A BODY

The USCCB says that “The Catholic Church commends its deceased members to the mercy of God by means of its funeral rites.” This being the case, they further say, “The cremated remains of a body should be entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium; they may also be buried in a common grave in a cemetery. Whenever possible, appropriate means for memorializing the deceased should be utilized, such as a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased.”

Please be advised that cremated remains must be interred in their entirety.

For more information or to purchase a niche, please contact:

Monty Bennett,
Director of Sacred Music/Funeral Coordinator
mbennett@charlestondiocese.org
803-283-4969

WHAT IS INCLUDED WHEN I PURCHASE A NICHE?

The purchase includes the rights for burial, the urn(s), the engraving of the niche cover, and a small brass vase, if desired.Your funeral home can assist with procuring a military medallion, if eligible.

WHO MAY BE INTERRED IN THE COLUMBARIUM?

Currently, only registered members of the parish, who have been active parishioners for six (6) months, along with their immediate family members (including non-Catholic immediate family members) are eligible for interment in the columbarium, per the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Columbarium Rules and Regulations. Immediate family members are defined as the spouse, children, and parents of the parishioner. The cremated remains of only one person may be placed in a single urn, co-mingling of remains is not allowed. No interments may be made without the approval of the Pastor and should be made by contacting the parish’s Funeral Coordinator.

WHAT DOES THE URN LOOK LIKE?

The urns are designed to fit specifically in our columbarium by the manufacturer. It is a brushed bronze cube. There is no need to purchase an urn from the funeral home.

CAN PETS BE INTERRED IN THE COLUMBARIUM?

Diocesan guidelines state that only human remains may be interred in the columbarium. The full Diocesan rules and regulations are given to each family upon purchase of a niche.