X

Cremation

CREMATION
The Church strongly prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites since its presence clearly recalls the life and death of the person. It is the Church’s recommendation that if cremation of the body is to take place, it occurs immediately following the Funeral Mass. However, if cremation takes place immediately after death, the Church now permits the cremated remains to be brought into church for the celebration of the funeral liturgy, including the Eucharist.

FINAL DISPOSITION OF THE BODY OR CREMATED REMAINS.
Following the celebration of the Funeral Mass, the earthly remains of the deceased, or the cremated remains, are to be reverently buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, on the ground, or of keeping them in the home of a friend or relative, is not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.