The time of death is a difficult time of grief and transition, of healing and hope. The final disposition of bodily remains signifies our respect for the body of the one we have loved. We commit the body to the grave or columbarium niche, but, more importantly, we commit our loved one to God. In our Christian faith the church is where all events and seasons of life are taught, celebrated, lived and honored: birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage, worship of God, spiritual growth, and finally death.

In the days of the early Christians, places in the catacombs were set aside for burial of the faithful. These burial places were also used as a gathering place for prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist. This was often called a columbarium. The St. Matthew Catholic Church Columbarium is a witness to this faith community’s respect for life and belief in eternal life. Located at the center of the Garden, it is surrounded by meandering paths, which wander among the Stations of the Cross. Planning for one’s death is an expression of faith and trust in the Lord. Pre-need plans help families prepare for bereavement in an atmosphere free from anguish and grief. All columbarium niches are companion size, with single niches available.

• editate at anytime they visit the church.
• Simplicity of Planning – The purchase of a columbarium niche eliminates the pressures of choosing a burial site, casket, vault, and monument.

The Church recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the faithful be observed. The Church does not forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons that are contrary to Christian teachings (Canon 1176, #3). The faithful who choose cremation are presumed to have the proper motives and good intentions. However, a Catholic may not receive the funeral rites of the Church if the request for cremation is motivated by a denial of Christian dogmas or through hatred of the Catholic religion or Church. The parish priest is to refer the matter to the chancellor of the diocese before denying the Church’s burial rites.

The Church’s Funeral Rites may be celebrated for persons who choose to have their bodies cremated for reasons consistent with the Catholic faith. In some cases cremation will take place following the celebration of the Funeral Mass. In other cases it may be necessary for cremation to take place prior to the Funeral Mass. Funeral Masses are permitted to be celebrated with the presence of cremated remains.

The cremated remains of the body of the deceased must always be treated with respect. This includes the use of a worthy vessel, the manner in which they are transported and carried, and the manner in which they are finally placed (OCF 427). Unless serious reason prevents it, the cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium (OCF 427).

The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or the keeping of cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. (OCF 427).

The death of a loved one is a time of sorrow for family and friends. For believers, this grief is filled with hope because Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen and has opened the Gates of Paradise to the faithful.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated at a Catholic Funeral to give glory to God, to pray for the soul of the departed and to comfort the mourners. It reminds the living of the importance of being prepared to meet God. We also wish to honor the memory of the deceased. Generally, the casket or urn is brought to the Church for the Funeral Mass. Funeral Masses at St. Matthew are arranged with our Ministry of Consolation Team. You may meet with them to choose Scripture readings, sacred music and other details.

The Mass of Christian Burial is generally offered in connection with our 9:00 a.m. daily Mass which gives all the faithful the opportunity to fulfill one of our Corporal Works of Mercy, “To Bury the Dead” and to fulfill the Spiritual Work of Mercy” to “pray for the dead.”

May Christ Our Savior grant mercy and peace to your departed loved one and comfort you in your time of grief.