Thank you for your interest in our columbarium
Have you thought about your final resting place? If you are choosing cremation, you have the opportunity to reserve a spot among the many individuals who have secured a niche in the St. Henry Columbarium and Prayer Garden. Each niche can accommodate the cremains of up to 2 individuals and is currently priced at $5,000. The Columbarium and Prayer Garden will be situated in the courtyard outside the Narthex.
Construction is ongoing with completion slated for Summer 2026.
To begin the process of securing your niche please fill out the interest form below and read the Columbarium Policies and Regulations booklet.
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A Columbarium is a structure (e.g. wall) with niches where urns containing the remains of our loved ones are interred.
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"The church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate denial of faith in the resurrection of the body." Catechism of the Catholic Church, (¶ 2301)
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The columbarium will be located in the area between the narthex and the parish office building currently known as the "Walk of Faith" courtyard. The current Walk of Faith will be refurbished and retained as part of the columbarium design.
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The Columbarium will be used only for the cremated human remains of current and former members of St. Henry parish and their families.
Q&A with Teresa Dyer, the artist who designed the bronze sculpture, “The Good Shepherd” located in the prayer garden and columbarium space:
Was there any particular reference, or photos, that you utilized to create the image of Jesus, including his facial features, as well as the young girl?
Bishop Mark Beckman had an image of Jesus in mind and described that image to me. I also researched many images and ideas of Jesus as well as from my imagination. The girl also came from my imagination.
How long did it take from start to finish to complete? Which elements took the longest, or were the most difficult, to design? Which elements were the most enjoyable to design?
It took approximately 14 months to complete from concept drawings, through the sculpting process, through the foundry and casting process to shipping to Nashville. I spent over three months sculpting Jesus, the child and the lamb and didn’t find it difficult, rather a joy.
Is there a message, or feelings, that you hope viewers take away?
I was privileged to be given the opportunity to create a sculpture that might be a comforting presence to people visiting their loved ones interred in the columbarium. I have hoped that the sculpture would portray Jesus as a shepherd that gently leads.
