Cremation

There is much confusion among Catholics about the Church’s position on cremation, because cremation was forbidden for Catholics until 1963.  Even though the Church now permits cremations, the Church strongly recommends burial of the body, in keeping with Christ's own example.  The opposition to cremation dates back to the early days of the Church when persecutors of the faith burned bodies in mockery of the belief in the resurrection of the body, a fundamental belief of Christianity and the Catholic Church.

Today a Funeral Mass may be permitted with the cremated remains present; however, the Church prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the Funeral Mass followed by cremation.  The body of the deceased is considered sacred and even in the case of cremation should be treated with respect and dignity. Scattering of remains, separation of remains or keeping cremated remains in the home is not considered the proper disposition the Church requires.  Cremated remains should be placed in a permanent resting place, preferably in a Catholic cemetery.

Factors that one should consider in choosing cremation for themselves or other family members include:

• cremation should be the choice of the person to be cremated
• the choice of cremation should not be solely for economic reasons
• reasonable, cost effective burial options exist for the proper disposition of the body
• cremation should not be chosen for reasons opposed to Catholic teachings
• cremated remains should be placed in a proper container
• cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium

The Catholic Cemeteries Association offers a complete range of permanent disposition options consistent with the Church’s teachings.  For information about these options and their cost, contact us and we can assist you with the choices available in the cemetery of your choice.