Columbarium1

The Columbarium at The Church of the Epiphany

The Columbarium at The Church of the Epiphany is a place which reminds us of all the sacraments we celebrate as Christians. The burial liturgy and interment of the urn are the culmination of a person’s earthly life in our shared community in Christ. *What is a columbarium?* A Columbarium is a group of niches, typically within a stone wall, which contain the cremated remains of the departed. Our Columbarium will include 234 niches, arranged three high and interlocking. Each niche is approximately 12" x 12" and can accommodate one or two urns. *Why have a columbarium?* The church has traditionally been the natural repository and final resting place of deceased members of the Christian community. Burial within the church itself, or in the adjacent churchyard was once common practice. The amount of land necessary for a burial ground is no longer available to most churches, and a myriad of laws and regulations make it extremely difficult to establish a burial site. In recent years, cremation with interment of the ashes, rather than burial, has become more common. In this way, the remains of the deceased can stay on at the church that played such an important part in their lives. *What are the benefits to our congregation?* A niche in a Columbarium is modestly priced, aesthetically pleasing, and ecologically sound. The ambiance of the Columbarium creates a comfortable meeting place for families and friends to gather in love and remembrance, a consoling link between life and death. *How will the niches be marked?* Each niche will provide the person’s legal name and dates of birth and death. These will be inscribed in a uniform size and font on the face of the granite covering the niche, at the time of interment. Each niche includes security shutters, granite fronts and edge trim -- see rendering. The church office will order the inscription. The family will be billed for the inscription. *How will the niches be offered? Who can be interred here?* The niches will be offered to the congregation in the church bulletin and in the church newsletter. The church members who have already expressed an interest in the Columbarium will receive a letter regarding the availability at this time. The Columbarium is reserved for the use of members of the congregation and their families as defined in the Church Rules and Regulations. In some instances, spaces may also be allocated to other persons who have a significant relationship to The Church of the Epiphany in the judgment of the Vicar and the Columbarium Board of The Church of the Epiphany. There will be a covenant, prepared and executed by the involved parties of each burial, setting forth the right of the parties. The burial service will be as prescribed by the Vicar of The Church of the Epiphany, in consultation with the family, and in accordance to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Los Angeles. *Will there be a funeral or committal service?* Yes, traditional services may continue as usual in the Church, and may include the committal service at the Columbarium. *May a particular niche be chosen?* Yes, niches will be offered on a priority, "first come, first served" basis. The cost will not vary according to location. *How much will each niche cost?* The first twenty-five niches purchased will be at a discounted rate in order to expedite construction of the Columbarium. These will be offered at $3500 each, and will accommodate one or two urns.* This will cover the cost of the niche, the granite name plaque, and perpetual care. (The family of the deceased will provide the appropriate urn, and will be billed the cost of the inscription on the niche). If it is necessary to re-open the niche, for the second urn at a later date, there will be a $100 opening charge. No future assessments will be made. *May a purchaser sell or transfer a niche?* Because of church rules regulating church property ownership, purchasers of niches are technically granted a permanent "use permit" rather than actual ownership. Thus, a user "permittee" cannot actually re-sell the niche. However, the Church agrees to permit transfer of the use permit to others in appropriate situations at the Church’s discretion. The Church will accept the relinquishment of a niche but, in order to avoid the necessity of establishing a financial reserve, no portion of the purchase price will be refundable. *What about care and permanency?* The Columbarium will be perpetually managed by our church staff designated with that responsibility. At present, a special Columbarium Board will oversee the initial sales and they will report to the Bishop’s Committee. *How Do I reserve space?* Fill out the "Application for Certificate of Right of Interment" form and attach your check for the appropriate amount. Make the check payable to The Church of The Epiphany Episcopal Church. Please note on the check that it is for the "Columbarium Fund". To obtain the necessary forms or further information, please contact the church office: (818) 991-4797 FAX: (818) 991-4796 E-mail: info@The Church Of The Ephiphany.org or Margot Kerby (805) 496-4423 FAX: (805) 496-0103 Mdkerby@aol.com Rules and Regulations