St. Stephen's Columbarium
DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I HAVE PREPARED A PLACE FOR YOU.
(John 14:1-2)
The Hope of the Resurrection through our Lord, Jesus Christ, is our source of strength and comfort in the midst of death. Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Though the Christian hope has never been lost, for years people have been buried away from the Church. Sometimes the funeral has been away from the Church, but nearly always interment has been in a place apart.
With the increased acceptance of the simplicity and dignity of cremation, columbariums are enabling people to prepare a place for their cremains right in the Church, where they have been nourished and supported in life. St. Stephen's Parish has a columbarium located in the Narthex of the Parish Sanctuary.
THOUGHTFULNESS ON OUR PART
It is not easy for most of us to consider our death, but we can relieve our loved ones of anguish if we will take time to prepare, take time to make our wishes known. Such thoughtfulness on our part is a beautiful gift.
To make your planning easier, please contact the Parish Rector.
THE SERVICE
A Requiem is the most appropriate way to bury a Christian. This beautiful Service, of about forty minutes, includes the Burial Office and the Eucharist.
Experience teaches us that people find this Service meaningful, regardless of their tradition. Some will choose to make their Communion, all will feel included and comforted. So many have spoken of the beautiful, hopeful Requiems at St. Stephen's.
Sometimes people say, 'I don't want a fuss.' This is not a fuss, but a dignified celebration.
CREMATION and COLUMBARIUM DOES THE CHURCH APPROVE?
Yes. The Church encourages cremation.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Cremation hastens the oxidation process.
MUST I INVOLVE A FUNERAL DIRECTOR?
Yes. Any Funeral Director will fulfill your wishes.
IS EMBALMING REQUIRED?
Only if there is to be a viewing. A Receiving of Friends at the Church before the Service is an excellent alternative to the traditional viewing.
IS A CASKET REQUIRED?
Again, only if there is to be a viewing. Consult with your Funeral Director.
WHAT ABOUT AN URN?
An Urn should be provided by the Funeral Home, and the Urn will be placed into a wooden box for committal into the columbarium. St. Stephen's provides the wood box as part of the purchase of a niche.
HOW ARE NICHES ASSIGNED?
The Church reserves the right to assign niches. You may reserve an adjacent niche by making application and deposit. For example, a family of four could be interred together if an application and deposit were made for four niches. When one is needed, the adjacent niches will be reserved according to your requested configuration.
MUST I PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT NOW?
No, you may make application and down-payment. The cost will be whatever the established rate is at the time your contract is completed. Of course, it is always helpful to the Church if payment-in-full is made at application.
(John 14:1-2)
The Hope of the Resurrection through our Lord, Jesus Christ, is our source of strength and comfort in the midst of death. Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Though the Christian hope has never been lost, for years people have been buried away from the Church. Sometimes the funeral has been away from the Church, but nearly always interment has been in a place apart.
With the increased acceptance of the simplicity and dignity of cremation, columbariums are enabling people to prepare a place for their cremains right in the Church, where they have been nourished and supported in life. St. Stephen's Parish has a columbarium located in the Narthex of the Parish Sanctuary.
THOUGHTFULNESS ON OUR PART
It is not easy for most of us to consider our death, but we can relieve our loved ones of anguish if we will take time to prepare, take time to make our wishes known. Such thoughtfulness on our part is a beautiful gift.
To make your planning easier, please contact the Parish Rector.
THE SERVICE
A Requiem is the most appropriate way to bury a Christian. This beautiful Service, of about forty minutes, includes the Burial Office and the Eucharist.
Experience teaches us that people find this Service meaningful, regardless of their tradition. Some will choose to make their Communion, all will feel included and comforted. So many have spoken of the beautiful, hopeful Requiems at St. Stephen's.
Sometimes people say, 'I don't want a fuss.' This is not a fuss, but a dignified celebration.
CREMATION and COLUMBARIUM DOES THE CHURCH APPROVE?
Yes. The Church encourages cremation.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Cremation hastens the oxidation process.
MUST I INVOLVE A FUNERAL DIRECTOR?
Yes. Any Funeral Director will fulfill your wishes.
IS EMBALMING REQUIRED?
Only if there is to be a viewing. A Receiving of Friends at the Church before the Service is an excellent alternative to the traditional viewing.
IS A CASKET REQUIRED?
Again, only if there is to be a viewing. Consult with your Funeral Director.
WHAT ABOUT AN URN?
An Urn should be provided by the Funeral Home, and the Urn will be placed into a wooden box for committal into the columbarium. St. Stephen's provides the wood box as part of the purchase of a niche.
HOW ARE NICHES ASSIGNED?
The Church reserves the right to assign niches. You may reserve an adjacent niche by making application and deposit. For example, a family of four could be interred together if an application and deposit were made for four niches. When one is needed, the adjacent niches will be reserved according to your requested configuration.
MUST I PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT NOW?
No, you may make application and down-payment. The cost will be whatever the established rate is at the time your contract is completed. Of course, it is always helpful to the Church if payment-in-full is made at application.