Columbarium

Columbarium Policy

It has been our experience that many decorations and statues are freezing to the Columbarium stone during the winter months. St. Hugo would like to prevent damage to these items and to the Columbarium stone. Therefore, January 15th through March 31st, we ask that nothing be placed at the columbarium.

Fresh flowers and/or small unbreakable items will be still permitted from April 1st through January 15th; however, we ask that you do not affix anything to the front of the niche nor place flowers on the floor of the Columbarium walkway during the winter months. 

Old and wilted flowers will continue to be removed on a weekly basis throughout the year, typically every Thursday. 

Please make sure all floral arrangements are in a non-breakable vase with no other items. Under no circumstance are items to be affixed on the front of the niche or in between the gaps of the individual niches.

The following rules and regulations are effective immediately in the Columbarium:

Spring & Fall Clean-up:

• If you wish to keep any of your items, please remove them prior to the clean-up. Any flower arrangements will be disposed of (INCLUDING CONTAINERS). Statues will be placed in the maintenance garage. You may make arrangements to pick up your statues by calling the St. Hugo office. St. Hugo will not be responsible for any items that are left.
• Christmas clean-up will be in the middle of January.
• Fall clean-up will be the last week in November
  

Family members may call the parish office to make arrangements to meet with the maintenance team to pick up any statues that are left after the clean-up process. We strongly recommend that you put your name on the bottom of any statue. We appreciate your understanding and if you have any questions or concerns, please call the St. Hugo office @ (248) 644-5460.

Preplanning burial niches in the St. Hugo Hillside Columbarium Garden will assure loved ones that you are at peace with your eternal resting place. Instead of being faced with uncertainty those dearest to you will be comforted in knowing your wishes have been fulfilled. Within the beautiful setting of St. Hugo of the Hills, the exquisitely landscaped Hillside Columbarium Garden is a peaceful haven for family members to reflect on the lives of loved ones.

Arrangements for the purchase of a niche are made through the parish office. When possible this should be done well in advance of need so that your decisions may be made more comfortably, prior to the time of bereavement.

The services of a funeral director will be necessary since Michigan law is restrictive in certain areas. Cremation may be provided at a number of crematories in the area. A simple urn of permanent material is required, and this cost is not included in the purchase price of a niche.

Actual inurnment of the ashes in the niche will take place immediately after the funeral Mass or in private on another day. It will be conducted by a priest, deacon or pastoral associate and assisted by the St Hugo staff. A date for a niche side service should be arranged with the Parish office.

The name or names of the interned will be shown on the niche front with bronze letters. This will include the family (last) name, first name and middle initial, year of birth, and year of death. To maintain a dignified memorial appearance, more extensive lettering or information cannot be accommodated.

St. Hugo of the Hills Parish is responsible for the maintenance of the columbarium. Only fresh floral displays are permitted provided they are not affixed to the niche.