Why should a church consider a columbarium? 

Church members are requesting a columbarium ministry to provide the final resting place for their members deceased loved ones at an ever-growing rate.  Many Pastors tell us that nothing keeps a family more involved with their church than providing a final resting place for the members’ deceased family.  Society is more accepting of cremation.  A columbarium answers this call.  It is a simple way to show honor to our deceased loved ones.  Since the church is often the first public place we visit after our birth, it’s fitting that the church serves us full circle by being our final resting place, The Communion of Saints past and present within the church community.

The columbarium ministry at a church will choose a columbarium over a cemetery for many reasons.  Acquiring a large plot of land for a cemetery is expensive.  The cost, upkeep, and maintenance of a cemetery are very high, while maintaining a columbarium on existing church grounds is nominal. Above ground monuments that house urns are generally free from environmental health and safety restrictions as cremains are inert.  A columbarium is easily fitted onto the church campus which can reduce the security issues associated with infrequently visited cemeteries.

A congregation can use the following ways to fund their columbarium:  Columbarium Memorial donations, Pre-construction discounts, Companion niche discounts.  The columbarium ministry will establish a long-term plan for the memorial where the columbarium can be built in phases as needed.  They will usually establish a budget based on memorial donations and individual niche sales.  Individual pricing is somewhat higher that cost to build a reserve fund for future phases.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fort Smith, Arkansas