Funeral & Columbarium

The death of a loved one is a difficult time for families. At St. Mary's, our commitment is to assist the family of the deceased in preparing a meaningful celebration of life.

Planning a Funeral

Funeral planning typically takes place during a meeting with a deacon who will assist the priest presiding over the funeral rites and family members of the deceased. If a funeral home is involved, they will assist the family in arranging this meeting. If a funeral home is not involved, the family should contact the parish office by calling (505) 325-0287 to schedule a meeting to make the necessary arrangements.

Columbarium

In our ancestors' days, the deceased of a parish were buried in "God's Acre" surrounding the church where they had worshiped. The remains were interred in this consecrated ground with a simple dignified ceremony. Stone markers symbolically honored the life and faith of the departed, while serving as reminders to the living of their own mortality.

Now, within our crowded contemporary urban environment, this practice is getting more difficult and expensive. Many churches are providing columbariums for the cremated remains of departed members. The church is, once again, the central site for the major milestones of life: Baptism, confirmation, marriage, death and burial as well.

In returning to the idea of burial at the church, St. Mary’s established the Resurrection Columbarium in which the cremated remains of the deceased may be placed. Its peaceful setting serves as the final resting place of the faithful departed. It is a place to remember their lives and to celebrate the glory of God.

The Resurrection Columbarium is located north of the Parish Center. There also a Rosary Walk that wraps around the Columbarium and makes it a great place to meditate and pray the rosary.

 Please call the Parish Office for more information on pricing & availability, 505-325-0287.

Questions & Answers

Suggested Funeral Readings

Grief Recovery

Have you suffered a loss? Don't know where to turn? Need someone to confide in? Just need to have someone listen?


The Disciples of God's Healing Love meet each Saturday in the Lindenmeyer Room of the Parish Center. 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM


Discussions are confidential and we offer a safe place for prayer, conversation, and support through this difficult time.


For questions please call the parish office.

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