In order to maximize burial space at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery located off of Old Kaplan Highway and understanding that cremation is becoming a more viable and acceptable option of burial, two columbarium units have been constructed to allow for the burial of cremains.  A columbarium contains niches (recesses) in which an urn or other worthy vessel containing cremated remains can be permanently interred and memorialized.  The Catholic Church prefers a bodily burial but will allow a cremation as long as the ashes are interred in sacred ground (a cemetery).  A niche in a columbarium provides a smaller area in which to allow the burial, but more importantly, still allows a family a prayerful space in which to visit a loved one.  One thing that we must all keep in mind is that a cemetery is just as much for the living as for the deceased.   Pictures and additional information of the columbarium units will be presented in forthcoming bulletins.  The units are located within the courtyard of the Garden of the Sacred Mausoleum. One unit contains a feature panel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the other unit the Immaculate Heart of Mary. If you are interested in obtaining information regarding these columbarium units, please contact the Cemetery Office at 893-0244.  As a reminder, there are still two mausoleum crypts available in the Garden Mausoleum.  Information regarding these crypts can also be obtained by calling the Cemetery Office.