Return to Information Page

CREMATION

NORMS REGARDING CREMATION

Following are the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church with regard to the proper burial of the sacred remains of the deceased and the resurrection of the body on the last day.  While interment of the body remains the preference of the Church, after the manner of the burial of the Lord Jesus, the use of cremation is allowed according to the following norms.  These norms promote the faith and practice of the Church with regard to the burial of a Christian.  Respect for the remains of the cremated body, as befits the dignity of a baptized person is ensured.

NORMS FOR FUNERAL RITES WITH CREMATION:

1.  If a body is to be cremated, it is always preferable that cremation take place after the Funeral Liturgy.  When cremation takes place after the Funeral Liturgy, the rite of committal occurs with the burial/disposition of the cremated remains.

2.  If a body is cremated prior to the Funeral Liturgy and the burial/disposition follows, then: 

      a.  The cremated remains are to be brought to the Church in a worthy vessel, that is, in a solid and durable

            container, which may appropriately be marked with the name of the deceased; 

      b.  The vessel may be carried in the entrance procession or it may be put in place before the Funeral Liturgy begins; 

      c.  The vessel is to be positioned on a suitable table in the same place where the coffin is usually positioned and not

           in the sanctuary.

3.  The Rite of Committal is to be conducted at the cemetery, mausoleum or columbarium as soon as possible following the Funeral Liturgy.  It is most appropriate that the burial/disposition of the cremated remains immediately follow the Funeral Liturgy.  In any case, the length of time between the Funeral Liturgy and the burial of cremated remains is not to exceed thirty days.

4.  The cremated remains are to be buried in a cemetery or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium.  It is not permitted to scatter cremated remains.  Likewise, it is not permitted to delay the burial/disposition of the cremated remains in anticipation of the eventual burial of another person.  The permanent storage of cremated remains in a private home, funeral home or any other place is prohibited.  The integrity of the cremated remains is always to be respected.  The cremated remains of one deceased person may not be mixed with the cremated remains of another person.  It is not permitted to divide the cremated remains and retain, inter or entomb them in more than one place.  It is also not permitted to divide the cremated remains in such a way that they are contained in lockets or jewelry.  Any other practice which violated the integrity of the cremated remains and impedes reverent and proper burial/disposition is prohibited.  If burial takes place at sea, the cremated remains are to be in a solid and durable container and not scattered.

5.  The place of burial or entombment may be memorialized appropriately