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Columbarium FAQ's
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- What is a columbarium? A structure consisting of vaults to hold urns containing a deceased person's cremated remains.
- Why did STA build one? It is common for churches to have burial sites and a Catholic site did not exist in Ames. Cremation is becoming more prevalent and may be more progressive due to ecological advantages. Parishioners felt inurnment close to the church would give solace to their friends and family as they will remain in their spiritual home. For living members of the community it will keep in memory those who precede them in life.
- Do other churches have them? Several congregations in Ames have columbaria. Catholic parishes have them as well but St. Thomas is the first Catholic parish in our Archdiocese to construct one.
- Who approved this? The archdiocese and pastoral council approved the plan.
- Who built it? Eikhof Columbaria, a Minnesota company that had constructed other columbaria in Ames.
- Who can be inurned there? Members of STA, St. Cecilia, or Sts. Peter and Paul and their family members.
- What are the costs? Current cost to reserve a niche is $1500. Each niche holds two urns. The cost of the urn and engraving are additional. Because of the shape of our columbarium we advise ordering urns from Eikhof to ensure a proper fit, or checking with a trustee for exact measurements. Urns can be ordered in advance for $60 currently but engraving of the niche face cannot be done in advance of need. The inscription is limited to name and dates of birth and death. A binder is kept in the church with memorial information on the deceased.
- Why are some niches bigger? The volume of cremains can in some cases exceed the capacity of a standard urn.
- Can the niche location be reserved? Yes, at the time of purchase. Need for a larger niche is assessed at time of inurnment, these are not reserved.
- How are funerals arranged at STA? The bereavement committee assists families with arrangements. If cremation is chosen it can be done before or after the funeral.
- How is cremation arranged? Through your funeral director.
- Are flowers or decorations allowed? No
- How is the columbarium managed? There are trustees appointed by the pastor for three year terms.
