Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Cremation
Yes. Burial options include a family grave in a cemetery marked with a traditional memorial stone, a mausoleum niche, or a columbarium. “The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.” (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II).
Appropriate containers (not necessarily expensive) such as a classic urn are proper for the cremated remains. At present time the U.S. Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy has determined only what is not a proper container. Although jewelry, dishes, statuary and space capsules are now being offered, they are unacceptable in Catholic funeral practice. It is also unacceptable to have your cremated remains made into jewelry, dishes, and the like. Our cemetery requires the name of the deceased be permanently affixed or engraved on the container.
When cremation follows the funeral liturgy, embalming is usually necessary. When cremation follows soon after death, embalming is not necessary. Each state has its own regulations in this matter, but generally the rule is that a deceased human body that is not buried or cremated within 24 to 48 hours is to be embalmed or refrigerated. However, simple embalming and the use of a cremation casket need not involve excessive costs.
No, but it is a good idea to discuss your reasons with your pastor, deacon or other parish minister.
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a “columbarium”. It is an arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, or as a freestanding unit.
Yes. Burial at sea of cremated remains differs from scattering. An appropriate and worthy container, heavy enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped into the sea. The burial of cremated remains at sea in this manner seems to be an appropriate alternative to the long-standing and revered custom of a traditional burial at sea. Please consult your local government for environmental regulations. (See Order of Christian Funerals, #405.4)
In most cases you make the decision to be cremated. However, your survivors may decide to have you cremated, generally due to special family circumstances, but rarely against your will.
Out of respect for loved ones, you will want to do all you can to carry out the wishes of the deceased concerning funeral services provided they are in keeping with Church practice. Yet, you must always keep in mind the therapeutic value to the family of celebrating the full funeral liturgy with the body present. This may significantly out weigh your reasons for cremation before the funeral liturgy.
The answer to this question depends on various factors, just as in the case of funerals with the body.
The place of death, the location of the crematory, scheduling a time for cremation, the schedule at the parish church, and other circumstances impact the timing. Once all arrangements have been made; you should generally allow at least one day between death and the celebration of the funeral liturgy.
Can. 117
- S1) Christ’s faithful who have died are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of law.
- S2) Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honors their bodies, and at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of hope.
- S3) The Church earnestly recommends that the pious customs of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a “columbarium”. It is an arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, or as a freestanding unit which an urn or other worthy vessel is placed for permanent memorialization.
It is a matter of personal choice. Individuals personally carrying a deceased person’s ashes will often have the added responsibility of packing and transporting the urn. You may wrap the container of cremated remains with the possibility of sending it as accompanying baggage or take it along as carry-on luggage. Some states regulate the transport of cremated remains. Ask the airline office or your state’s Department of Public Health for specific information and requirements before preparing the cremated remains for transport by air. Where no legal regulation exists regarding transport of cremated remains, cremated remains in a standard shipping container are usually sent by U.S. Mail, UPS or another common carrier.
No. The only thing required is a simple container in which the body can be transported and placed in the cremation chamber.
If you choose to have the body present for Mass, with cremation to follow, rental is an option. Many funeral directors offer regular caskets for rent, as well as the special cremation or shell casket which you may purchase.
The Church prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. However, in the American culture, cremation often takes place immediately or soon after death. “Sometimes, however, it is not possible for the body to be present for the Funeral Mass. When extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by all who minister to the family of the deceased.” (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II)
Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican’s Holy Office (now the Congregations of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. This permission was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon #1176), as well as into the Order of Christian Funerals. It then became standard practice to celebrate the funeral liturgies with the body and then take the body to the crematorium. Most recently the bishops of the United States and Holy See have authorized the celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before the funeral.
No. “The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.” (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II).
The principle of respect for the cremated remains of a deceased Christian embraces the deeper belief in the individuality of each baptized person before God. Throughout history, the mingling of remains has never been an accepted practice, except in extraordinary circumstances.
If you desire that your body be cremated you can make those wishes known in your will, trust, and in documents designed to help plan and prepare your funeral.
All the usual rites which are celebrated with a body present may also be celebrated in the presence of cremated remains. The United States’ bishops have written new prayers and have printed them as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. The following rituals may be celebrated:
- Prayers after Death. This ritual is used immediately after death. The presence of the minister, the readings, and the prayers can be of great comfort to the family. (Order for Christian Funeral,s,#101-108)
- Gathering in the Presence of the Body. This ritual can also be of great comfort to family members and friends. It allows for a time of simple prayer and shared silence. (Order of Christian Funerals, #109-118)
- Vigil for the Deceased. If cremation has already taken place, friends and family may still gather to pray. While it has been a tradition to pray the rosary in some regions, the Vigil for the Deceased in a Liturgy of the Word service, which includes prayer for the deceased and recognition of his/her Christian life. (Order of Christian Funerals #54-97)
Significant attention should be given to the primary symbols of the Catholic funeral liturgy, as stated in the Order of Christian Funerals and its commentaries. The paschal candle and sprinkling with holy water are primary symbols of baptism and should be used during the funeral Mass. However, the pall is not used. Photos and other mementos may be used at the vigil, but are not appropriate for the Mass. During the Mass, the cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
They are to be sealed in a “worthy vessel.” They may be carried in procession and / or placed on a table where the coffin normally would be with the Easter candle nearby. The body is always laid to rest with solemnity and dignity. So too, the Order of Christian Funerals provides for the interment of cremated remains (Order of Christian Funerals, #428).
The simplicity, dignity, and affordability of cremation has made it a popular choice among followers of most faiths. Throughout the cemetery, there is a variety of niche spaces and memorialization plans for those choosing cremation, with considerable freedom to personalize remembrances of loved ones.
The cemetery provides beautiful wall niches in natural surrounding, made of the finest marble, granite, or bronze. A wide choice of niches provides an enduring memorial in a beautiful, prayerful setting on consecrated ground. Both individual and companion niches are available.
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
– Matthew 5: 4
