Funerals/Memorial Services
A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for friends and family to gather and give thanks for a life and commend their loved one to the eternal love of God. One of the most moving services of the church is the Burial of the Dead (found in The Book of Common Prayer, p. 491–505). At a funeral service, the body or cremated remains are present; a memorial service is one where the remains are not present. Otherwise the services are basically identical.
Many of our members choose to plan their funeral or memorial service before they die. The church is always happy to walk with you as you leave instructions for your loved ones. Having these plans in place can alleviate some of the stress for those in grief and loss. You can contact a member of the clergy to plan your service. The clergy can advise you around the traditions of the church. Because we are a church, and not a for-profit funeral service, we only charge expenses occurred by the church (for example: the wholesale price of flowers, or the cost to hire a musician). Speaking with the clergy before you sign a contract with a funeral home may save significant money.
Depending upon the family’s wishes and room availability, receptions following a funeral or memorial service may take place in the Parish Hall.
Clergy are always ready to offer prayers for someone who has died and walk with you through the profound mystery of grief and loss.
To reach a member of the clergy concerning a death, call the parish office at 505-345-8147.
If it is after office hours, you will be prompted on how to reach the clergy member on call.
Columbarium
Churches have traditionally laid the departed to rest on their grounds. Burial at the church is a statement of our faith in the resurrection. In keeping with that tradition, St Michael's established a columbarium. The term columbarium is derived from columba, the Latin word for dove, a universal symbol of God’s love and peace. The columbarium provides a beautiful, peaceful and welcoming space for you to remember the people you love who have died.
Our columbarium is located in a chapel just near the entrance to the Nave. It offers a peaceful and dignified space where the cremated remains of loved ones may be laid to rest and cared for in perpetuity in a space that is both beautiful and sacred. The columbarium is open for visits during our parish office hours and on Sunday morning between services. If you need to arrange a visit outside these hours, please contact our parish office.
We do not charge for ashes to be laid to rest in the columbarium (though we will accept a donation).
The columbarium consists of two trasteros, large Mexican-style cabinets. Urns of all types and most sizes fit inside.
To learn more about the columbarium, or to make a reservation, please get in touch with our parish office at 505-345-8147.
