 What is a Columbarium? A Columbarium is the name given to a place reserved for a dignified and worthy resting place for cremated ashes. The Columbarium at St John's Cathedral is situated in the beautiful vaulted Undercroft at the east end of the Cathedral beneath the Sanctuary and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. This space, unused for many years, has been professionally cleaned and restored. New wrought-iron gates have been installed at each entrance and finely-worked bronze cabinets containing specially designed niches have been put in place. An individual bronze plaque will commemorate each niche. Who is the Columbarium for? The Columbarium is for Catholics and members of their families who are not Catholic. As St John's is the Cathedral church of the Diocese of East Anglia the Columbarium is available for all Catholics in the diocese as well as members of St John's parish. The Columbarium was blessed by Bishop Michael on the Feast of All Saints 2006. At that occasion he said: 'A common sight in East Anglia is a cemetery around an ancient church, a reminder that the living and the dead are one family of God. Our new Columbarium serves the same purpose, a focus for loving remembrance and prayer for those who have gone before us and who are still one with us in the Risen Christ'. May people visit the Columbarium? Bereaved families or friends are welcome to visit whenever they wish. Flower stands are provided for those who wish to leave flowers. How much will it cost to arrange an interment in the Columbarium? Those choosing to use the Columbarium make a donation to the Cathedral Preservation and Development Trust. This is kept in a special fund for the upkeep of the fabric of the Cathedral. So we are asking for a realistic donation of £2000 for each niche. This donation reflects the cost of a burial or commemorative arrangement elsewhere. Instead of a fee being paid to municipal authorities this agreed donation will go towards the upkeep of the Cathedral and Columbarium.. In this way, those using the Columbarium retain an association with the Cathedral long after their passing. Members of St John’s parish are entitled to a discount of £250 in recognition of their previous support for the Cathedral. In addition to the niches in the Columbarium cabinets already described, a limited number of special urns is available for those who would prefer a more prominent memorial. The requested donation for a memorial urn is higher than for a standard niche and details are available on application. Can I reserve a place for myself or one of my relatives? Yes. Many people wish to make arrangements for their own funerals or for their loved ones in advance. We advise people to make provision for this in their will and to leave clear instructions for their family while they are alive. Places in the Columbarium can be reserved for future use and adjacent niches can be kept for husbands/wives or other members of a family. All the names of those in the Columbarium will be recorded in the new Book of Remembrance in the Memorial Chapel in the Cathedral. How do I set about arranging for an interment in the Columbarium? Please contact the Cathedral Office:
You will be sent all the information you need for your particular circumstances. Alternatively, you may download the information from this website. |
