What is a columbarium? A columbarium is a structure that is used to house the cremated remains of individuals. The cremated remains are placed into a niche within the columbarium. The columbarium at St. Michael Cemetery has 124 niches.
The columbarium has been installed to prolong the life of the cemetery. The long range plans are to install additional columbariums when additional niches are required.
Cremation has been permitted by the Catholic Church since 1963. Scattering cremated remains on the ground, on the sea, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Catholic Church requires. Burial in a columbarium or in a family grave in a cemetery is the approved method for final disposition of the cremated remains.
What is the cost of a niche? How does it compare to the cost of an in ground burial? The total cost of each type of burial will be shown. The cost used for the grave marker, vault, and casket is the low to middle cost range.
| In Ground Burial for a Couple |
| |
First to Die |
Spouse |
| Grave Site |
$450.00 |
$450.00 |
| Opening/Closing |
$400.00 |
$400.00 |
| Grave Marker (Headstone) |
$2,650.00 |
|
| Vault |
$1,298.00 |
$1,298.00 |
| Casket |
$1,805.00 |
$1,805.00 |
| Funeral Home |
$3,385.00 |
$3,385.00 |
| Total |
$9,988.00 |
$7,338.00 |
| Total for couple = $17,326.00 |
The cost of a niche will be either $1,000.00 or $1,100.00 depending on location in the columbarium. Following is the cost associated with a cremation and final disposition in the columbarium.
| Columbarium/Cremation |
| |
First to Die |
Spouse |
| Niche |
$1,000.00 |
$1,000.00 |
| Opening/Closing |
$100.00 |
$100.00 |
| Niche Plate |
$250.00 |
|
| Urn |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
| Funeral Home* |
$3,330.00 |
$3,330.00 |
| Total |
$4,830.00 |
$4,630.00 |
| Total for couple = $9,510.00 |
*Included in this cost is the cost of a rental casket that would permit viewing at the wake prior to cremation.
A significant donation from the Estate of Mary Jo Urschalitz made it possible for the installation of the columbarium.
If you are interested in purchasing a niche or learning more about the columbarium, please call Marv Stechschulte (419-423-1047), John Demuth (419-422-7218), or the Parish Office (419-422-2646).