St Francis de Sales and All Souls Columbarium
A Columbarium is a sacred place where the ashes of those who have been cremated may be laid to rest permanently. It is a space for remembrance, prayer, and ongoing communion with those who have died. We invite you to reflect on whether this may be a fitting resting place for you or for your loved ones.
In recent years, an increasing number of Catholics have chosen cremation. In a 2016 Vatican document, the Church affirmed that “the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is, a cemetery, or in certain cases, a church or an area set aside for this purpose.” Our parish already fulfils this call through the graveyard located on church grounds and the crypt built into the rear wall of the church, where a small number of ashes are currently interred.
For several years, plans for a permanent Columbarium have been carefully developed — a beautiful, prayerful, and dignified space where the remains of loved ones can be respectfully and safely kept. This project has been made possible through the generosity of a donor who funded all of the initial planning and design work. After almost nine months of construction, beginning on 2 July 2025, the Columbarium was officially opened and blessed by the Bishop of Auckland, Steve Lowe, on 22 February 2026.
You can follow our Facebook page: St Francis de Sales and All Souls Devonport
The Columbarium Operating Committee are:
- Mike Simpson: 021 283 8040
- Kath Petrie: 021 620 805
- Alan Light: 021 158 9306
- Sarah Simpson: 021 288 3300 (Administrator)
If you have an enquiry or discuss any aspect of the Columbarium Project, please feel free to contact them.
Alternatively, you can also fill in the Columbarium enquiry sheet.
If you have decided in purchasing a niche, you can fill up the Niche Agreement to start the ball rolling.
Options and prices are as follows:
- Single niche is $3,000 + GST
- Double niche is $4,000 + GST
Send this back by email to the Parish Secretary, Bernadette: office@devonportcatholic.org.nz or by leaving it at the Parish Office.
Columbarium updates:
