As a Catholic, may I be cremated?
Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican's Holy Office (now the Congregation 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.
Do I need to ask permission to be cremated?
No, but it is a good idea to discuss your reasons with your pastor,
deacon or other parish minister.
When should cremation take place?
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)
Is it necessary to embalm?
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.
Is it necessary to purchase a casket for cremation?
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.
What is the proper container for cremated remains?
Appropriate containers (not necessarily expensive) such as a classic
urn are proper for the cremated remains. At the present time the U.S.
Bishops' 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 practices.
It is also unacceptable to have your cremated remains made into jewelry,
dishes and the like.
How are cremated remains transported?
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 before preparing the cremated remains for transport
by air. Where no legal regulations exist regarding transport of cremated
remains, cremated remains in a standard shipping container are usually
sent by U.S. Mail, UPS or another common carrier.
Must cremated remains be buried/entombed?
Yes. Burial options include a family grave in a cemetery marked with
a traditional memorial stone or an urn garden, a special section in a
cemetery with small, pre-dug graves for urns, or a columbarium.
What is a columbarium?
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a "columbarium".
It is an arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, a room or wall
into which an urn or other worthy vessel is placed for permanent memorial.
May I scatter the ashes?
No. "The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from
the air, or 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)
May I bury the ashes at sea?
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 in to the sea. The burial of cremated remains at sea in
this manner seems to be a 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)
May anything be added to cremated remains such as the cremated remains
of other persons, pets or other objects?
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.
Who decides if I am cremated?
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.
How do I make my wishes known?
If you desire that your body be cremated you can make those wishes knows
in your will and in documents designed to help plan and prepare your
funeral.
Do I have to honor my parent's or spouse's wish to cremate them?
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 outweigh your reasons for
cremation before the funeral liturgy.
What funeral rites are celebrated when a person is cremated?
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. During the liturgies, the cremated
remains are treated with the same dignity and respect as the body.
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 Funerals, #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)
What length of time is there between death, cremation and the funeral
Mass?
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.
What happens at the Funeral Mass with cremated remains?
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).
Canon Law on Cremations
Can. 117 S 1 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, a room or wall
into which an urn or other worthy vessel is placed for permanent memorial.
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