Cremation and Our Columbarium

The growing practice of cremation makes it possible for our church to restore the churchyard burial tradition. The columbarium provides a unique and economical choice for members of St. Thomas More parish to securely house the remains of loved ones in a setting close to familiar surroundings where they worship and perhaps were baptized and married. To the living, it provides a garden spot for visitation, remembrance and prayer for the deceased.

The Catholic Church’s directives provide for cremation as an alternative to traditional casket burial. St. Thomas More has dedicated church grounds that are a sacred final resting place for the cremated remains of its parishioners. Our columbarium is located on the walkway to the church adjacent to the Pastoral Office.

• FAQ's

• WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?

• It is an 18th-century Latin word for dovecote or dove nest.  Today, it is a place where urns holding cremains (ashes) may be inurned (reposed) in individual niches.

• DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ALLOW CREMATION?

• The Vatican has allowed cremations since 1963.  You can choose traditional in-ground burial (interment) or cremation and burial of ashes (inurnment).

• There has been a growing trend over the past many years showing that our families are choosing cremation.  Creating a sacred space on our church campus where their cremains may be placed is another way of honoring them, and allowing them to rest in their faith community.

• Cemeteries are not often visited, especially when they are not located nearby.  The Columbarium and Memorial Garden at St. Thomas More (STM) will make it convenient for family and friends to visit their loved one’s final resting place as well as continue the churchyard burial tradition.

• HOW MUCH DOES CREMATION AND A COLUMBARIUM COST AS COMPARED TO A TRADITIONAL IN-GROUND BURIAL?

• Prices vary widely.  Because it does not entail the often forgotten expenses such as opening and closing of a burial plot, caskets, hearse service cars, and so forth, the costs are approximately one-third.  An STM niche holds up to two (2) urns that are included in the price of the niche.

• WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

• The available section is divided into four walls: Faith, Hope, Love, and Peace. Each wall contains two alcoves, each is five niches across and eight niches high. Each niche has its own 6” square granite facing stone, retained by a black accent frame. The stone is engraved with names and dates of birth and death. The niches are constructed of the highest-quality material available to the columbaria industry.

• The columbarium and memorial garden features crushed granite paths, limestone seating, plantings, an area for gathering, a water feature, and a sculpture.  

• HOW MANY NICHES ARE IN THE COLUMBARIUM?

• Each alcove accommodates 40 niches for a total of 320 niches. In addition, the original three rotundas contain 288 niches. The rotundas have been sold out since 2019.

• MAY I SELECT THE NICHE THAT I WANT?

• Yes, you may select the niche.  Niche assignments are offered according to the wishes of each applicant on a first-come basis at the time they complete a paid-in-full Right of Inurnment contract with STM.  In other words, they are assigned in the order in which they are purchased.

• When possible, arrangements for the purchase of a niche should be made well in advance of need so that decisions can be made without a sense of urgency.

• WILL I OWN THE NICHE?

• The purchaser receives the right-to-use the niche per the Right of Inurnment contract with STM. Legal title remains with STM and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Austin.

• HOW MUCH DOES A NICHE COST?

• The price of one niche, that can hold two urns, is $6,000 for parishoners.  A niche for an approved non-parishoner is $7,000.

• WHAT TYPE OF CONTAINER IS USED FOR THE CREMAINS?

• Bronze urns are provided by STM and are the only ones that may be used for inurnment.  Up to two urns are provided, with engraving, and are included in the price of one niche.

• WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INURNMENT IN THE GARDEN?

• Those persons who are registered active parishioners of STM, their spouse, their children, and spouses of children, parents, grandparents, siblings, Catholic clergy and religious, or other persons that the Pastor approves in writing. Newly registered parishioners are eligible to purchase a niche 12 months after registration atthe parishioner price.  Currently, non-parishoners are able to purchase a niche.  This is subject to change as the columbarium reaches capacity.

• I AM CATHOLIC, BUT MY SPOUSE IS NOT. MAY WE USE THE SAME COLUMBARIUM NICHE?

• Yes, spouses are eligible to occupy the same niche.

• IS THERE A RITUAL AT THE TIME OF INURNMENT?

• The Rite of Committal is used at the time of inurnment.  It is similar to a graveside service.  All rites are in keeping with Roman Catholic forms of worship.

• WILL THERE BE ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE OR OTHER FEES?

• There will not be additional fees.  The columbarium will be maintained in perpetuity, with no further fees.  It is self-sustaining from funds received from the sale of niches.

• Unlike commercial and some other columbaria, you will not need to purchase urns or engraving.  Two bronze urns with identifying nameplates will be provided by STM at the time of need.  They will be industry-standard-sized urns designed to fit in the niche of the columbarium.  STM will also furnish the engraved granite-facing stones.  These items are included in the purchase price. 

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I PURCHASE A NICHE AND DECIDE LATER, FOR ANY REASON, NOT TO USE IT?

• STM may repurchase the niche.   The amount paid in repurchase will be the original purchase price less an administrative fee of 15% and any expenses incurred. Repurchase will not be made for engraved niches.

• CAN I CUSTOMIZE THE INSCRIPTION ON THE GRANITE FACE PLATE?

• Due to practical and aesthetic considerations, inscriptions are limited to names and dates.  There are three options to choose from. One font will be used on all face plates.

• WHEN WILL VISITORS HAVE ACCESS TO THE COLUMBARIUM?

• Access is permitted Monday through Sunday, from sunrise to sunset.

• MAY FLOWERS OR OTHER FORMS OF MEMORIALS BE PLACED IN THE GARDEN AREA?

• Subject to STM’s approval, they may be placed in the area on the day of an inurnment but will be removed or disposed of after 24 hours. Family and friends are encouraged to contact STM to offer floral arrangements on the altar of the sanctuary to honor their loved ones.

• WHAT RECORDS WILL BE MAINTAINED?

• The date and location within the columbarium of each niche purchased will be recorded and held in the offices of STM.  Further, information pertinent to each inurnment within said niche will be maintained in the offices of STM.

• HOW MAY I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION OR RESERVE A NICHE IN THE STM COLUMBARIUM?

• Please send an inquiry to our Columbarium Coordinator, Inga Tapia.

• Leave a message at 512-258-1161 [ext. 200]  or email:  [email protected]