Columbarium

The term columbarium comes from the Latin word for "dwelling place of a dove." Christians believe the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. A columbarium is a vault, or wall with niches to store the cremated remains or cremains of the dearly departed.

Since 1963, cremation has been permitted by the Catholic Church. With the body washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed by the Bread of Life, it is afforded dignity as a temple of the Holy Spirit destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. If these beliefs are upheld, cremation is acceptable. Burial or entombment of the body after death remain the norm of the Catholic Church.

If cremation is chosen, it is preferred that the body be present for the wake and funeral mass. Cremation can occur before these services, and the cremains present in place of the body. They are to be treated with the same respect given the human body from which they come. this includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the remains, the manner in which they're carried, and the final disposition. The cremated remains may be entombed in a columbarium and marked by a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased. The Catholic Church believes scattering the cremains on the sea, from air or on the ground, or keeping them in the home of a relative or friend are not the reverent dispositions that the Church required, and are prohibited by the Church.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Columbarium

Where is St. Anthony's Columbarium located?
As you enter the entrance of the car park, it is located at the end of the car park down the slope, with a short pathway leading to the columbarium.

How many individual niches are available?
All niches are double and treble niches (available to hold the remains of two individuals and three individuals respectively). There are presently two thousand six hundred double niches and treble niches in total, of which approximately six hundred have been purchased.

How and when will I be able to select the site of my niche?
Niches are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an application form is completed and payment in full is made, you may select one of the remaining available niches.

Must I pay for the niche in advance, or may I make payments?
Payment must be made in full at the time the application form is executed.

What is the cost?
The cost for a double niche is S$4,000.00
The cost for a tremble niche is S$5,000.00

The prices mentioned above do not include the cost of the engraving on the marble slab. Families of the deceased are to coordinate engraving matters with the approved list of contractors provided by our church. Please obtain a list of approved engravers from the Parish Office.

Please call the Parish Office at 6368 3804 for more information or to purchase a niche.