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The
cost of a Good Shepherd double occupancy niche is $2,500
and includes two urns. |
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The
cost of what is called “direct cremation” (for one
person) in Huntsville is what would be needed if
inurnment is planned at the columbarium, it includes the
following: Minimal services of the Funeral Home staff, removal of the remains from home or hospital, shelter of the remains, transportation to the crematory, cremation of the remains, and use of a service vehicle for filing the necessary papers The current “direct cremation” cost at four Huntsville Funeral Homes is: Twickenham - $1,295 Berryhill - $1,595 Spry - $1,495 Laughlin - $2,595 |
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Additional cost may be incurred if the family chooses a
traditional viewing at a funeral home. Embalming would
be required as well as other costs such as facility
fees, body preparation, clothing and a rental casket for
the service. |
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The
death notice and copies of the death certificate are not
included in the above but they are minor costs. |
What happens once all of the niches
are sold out?
The columbarium is being designed in
such a way that it can be expanded very easily. The first phase
will include a hexagonal memorial wall that can accommodate 440
niches to be installed in niche sections as the need arises.
When that wall is full, the plan is to replicate the hexagonal
section and that will accommodate an additional 440 niches.
Will there be a niche or two set aside for unexpected
inurnments?
The plan for the installation of niche sections is such that
there will always be a limited number of unsold niches available
What about care and permanency?
The columbarium will have perpetually
care funded by the sale of the niches.
Who will administer the activity of
the Columbarium?
A Columbarium Board will be formed in the near future. This Board will coordinate with the Pastoral Council and report directly to the Pastor.
How do I reserve a niche?
See the designated person at Good
Shepherd Church and they will help you fill out the "Application
for Certificate of Right of Inurnment" form and pay the
appropriate amount.
Do I need to ask permission to be
cremated?
No, but it is a good idea to discuss
your reasons with your pastor, deacon or other parish minister.
Don't forget to address your wish to be cremated with your
family. Put your directive in the form of a legal document such
as will, living trust or pre-needs planning document.
May I scatter the ashes?
No. "The practice of scattering
cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or
keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of
the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church
requires." (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II)
Who decides if I am cremated?
In most cases you make the decision to
be cremated. However, your survivors may decide to have you
cremated, generally due to special family circumstances, but
rarely against your will.
How do I make my wishes known?
If you desire that your body be
cremated you can make those wishes knows in your will and in
documents designed to help plan and prepare your funeral.
Do I have to honor my parents or spouse's wish to cremate them?
Out of respect for loved ones, you will
want to do all you can to carry out the wishes of the deceased
concerning funeral services provided they are in keeping with
Church practice. Yet, you must always keep in mind the
therapeutic value to the family of celebrating the full funeral
liturgy with the body present. This may significantly outweigh
your reasons for cremation before the funeral liturgy.
What funeral rites are celebrated when
a person is cremated?
All the usual rites that are celebrated
with a body present may also be celebrated in the presence of
cremated remains. The United States' bishops have written new
prayers and have printed them as an appendix to the Order of
Christian Funerals. During the liturgies, the cremated remains
are treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
What length of time is there between
death, cremation and the funeral Mass?
The answer to this question depends on
various factors, just as in the case of funerals with the body.
The place of death, the location of the crematory, scheduling a
time for cremation, the schedule at the parish church, and other
circumstances impact the timing. Once all arrangements have been
made, you should generally allow at least one day between death
and the celebration of the funeral liturgy.
What happens at the Funeral Mass with
cremated remains?
Significant attention should be given
to the primary symbols of the Catholic funeral liturgy, as
stated in the Order of Christian Funerals and its commentaries.
The paschal candle and sprinkling with holy water are primary
symbols of baptism and should be used during the funeral Mass.
However, the pall is not used. Photos and other mementos may be
used at the vigil, but are not appropriate for the Mass. During
the Mass, the cremains should be treated with the same dignity
and respect as the body. They are to be sealed in a "worthy
vessel." They may be carried in procession and/or placed on a
table where the coffin normally would be with the Easter candle
nearby.
The body is always laid to rest with solemnity and dignity. So
too, the Order of Christian Funerals provides for the interment
of cremated remains (Order of Christian Funerals, #428).
Canon Law on Cremation
Can. 117 S 1 - Christ's faithful who have died are to be given a
Church funeral according to the norms of law.
S2 - Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms
of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the Church prays
for the spiritual support of the dead, it honors their bodies,
and at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of
hope.
S3 - The Church earnestly recommends that the pious customs of
burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless it
is chosen for reasons that are contrary to Christian teaching.
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a
"columbarium". It is an arrangement of niches, either in a
mausoleum, a room or wall into which an urn or other worthy
vessel is placed for permanent memorial.