Columbaria

Throughout the ages, burial of the dead on church grounds has been a common practice. In 1963, the Church allowed the practice of cremation among the deceased faithful. This was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon # 1176), as well as into the Order of Christian Funerals. It then became the standard practice to celebrate the funeral liturgy with the body afterwhich the body is taken to the crematorium.

A columbarium (dovecote) is taken from the Latin word “columba” meaning “dove”. It is used to refer to a collection of niches designed to house urns containing cremated human remains: a place where the ashes of the departed may rest in peace and dignity within the shadow of the church.

The early Christians in Rome and elsewhere established significant burial areas in the catacombs and later, within churches and in churchyard cemeteries. Since the prohibition against cremation has been lifted, the columbarium revives the tradition of bringing Christian remains back to the church and laying them to rest in a columbarium on church grounds. The desire of many to have their earthly remains kept in or near a church still continues to this day.

To provide a church setting for burial in the 21st century, Mary Mother of Good Counsel Parish has a beautifully constructed columbarium beside the church which offers an elegant, serene setting for cremated remains of deceased parishioners and friends who have learned to love MMGC .

The Columbarium is open to all people. Units can be purchased in advance, or at the time of need.


PRAYER

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
We pray in hope for our family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen.