Cremation: What you Need to Know as a Catholic

As you might expect, the Catholic Church is not hugely in favor of cremation. But it is not outlawed, but there are still a few things to know if you are a Catholic considering cremation services in Scarborough, ME. 

The Church recommends Traditional Burial 

If your loved one was a devout Catholic who lived by the Church’s rules, traditional burial might be more advisable. 

While the Catholic Church does not favor cremation, it believes in the resurrection of the body after death. 

This reverence for the human body is in The Code of Canon Law — 

“The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.” 

So if cremation is not your loved one’s final wish, it might be better to have a traditional burial. 

You shouldn’t scatter the remains 

One thing you certainly should not do is scatter the cremated remains. The Catholic Church maintains that the remains should still be given the same respect as the body. 

This covers everything from how they are handled and transported. Thus, you cannot scatter the remains at sea, cemetery, or anywhere. Floating them on the sea is also not allowed. 

You also shouldn’t divide the ashes between family members because that would violate and disrespect the corporal form. 

Catholic remains must be interned or entombed 

Not only should you not scatter Catholic remains, but you also can’t keep the ashes at home or other forms of final disposition. 

The Church requires that cremated remains be kept in a sacred place. The remains must be interred or entombed in a columbarium, burial plot in a cemetery, or mausoleum. 

It also means the remains cannot be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry, or other keepsakes. 

The funeral rites should be performed to the body 

As part of its high respect for the human body, the Catholic Church prefers that funeral rites are performed in the presence of the whole body. 

This rule means direct cremation is discouraged for Catholics. According to the Church, traditional cremation “better expresses the values which the Church affirms in its rites.” 

That said, if direct cremation is unavoidable, the Vatican now allows the funeral mass to be conducted in front of cremated remains. 

Cremations should never be done for convenience 

Cremation, especially direct cremation, is a popular option because of its convenience. However, the Catholic Church frowns against this as a reason for cremation. 

The Church only authorizes cremation when quick disposal is necessary for economic, hygienic, pathological reasons. 

It also accepts cremation when it is a national custom or a specified request by the deceased before death. 

That is all you need to know about cremation as a catholic. 

For additional questions, before reaching out to Scarborough, ME, cremation services, seek the advice and knowledge of your local priest. Once you have the answers you need, call or visit us to help execute your loved one’s wishes.