Cremation Guidance
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The Catholic Church permits cremation, but it continues to prefer burial of the body because burial more clearly expresses Christian faith in the resurrection of the body. When cremation is chosen, the cremated remains must be treated with the same dignity and reverence given to the body of the deceased.
Why the Body Matters
Catholics believe that the human person is created in the image and likeness of God and that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Even after death, the body remains worthy of respect because Christians believe in the resurrection of the body and eternal life in Christ.
For this reason, the Church’s funeral rites are marked by reverence, prayer, and hope. The way Catholics care for the body or cremated remains should reflect the dignity of the person who has died and the faith of the Christian community.
When Cremation Should Take Place
When possible, the Church recommends that cremation take place after the funeral liturgy. This allows the family and community to celebrate the funeral rites in the presence of the body, which more fully expresses the Church’s faith and prayer for the deceased.
If cremation has already taken place, the funeral liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains. The remains should be placed in a worthy vessel and treated with reverence throughout the funeral rites and burial.
Where Cremated Remains Should Be Placed
Cremated remains must be buried or entombed in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium. They should not be scattered, divided among family members, kept permanently at home, or made into jewelry or keepsakes.
Burial or entombment in a sacred place helps ensure that the deceased remains part of the prayer and remembrance of the Church and provides a permanent place where loved ones may visit and pray.
Catholic Cemetery Options
Many Catholic cemeteries offer options for the burial or entombment of cremated remains, including graves, mausoleums, columbaria, and cremation gardens. For information about available cemetery options, please see the cemetery section of this website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I start?
- How do cremated remains get to the cemetery?
- How do I schedule a committal service?
- How much does burial or entombment cost?
- Can more than one person be buried in the same grave?
- Are urn vaults or liners required?
- What should we expect on the day of burial?
- Can cremated remains be separated or shared?
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Where do I start?A funeral home can help coordinate arrangements with the parish and cemetery. Families may also contact the cemetery directly for guidance on scheduling, required paperwork, and applicable fees.
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How do cremated remains get to the cemetery?Cremated remains are often brought to the cemetery by the funeral home. Families may also transport the remains themselves. The cremation certificate should accompany the urn.
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How do I schedule a committal service?The committal service is usually scheduled through the funeral home, parish, or cemetery. A priest, deacon, or other authorized minister may lead the prayers at the grave, mausoleum, or columbarium.
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How much does burial or entombment cost?Costs vary depending on the cemetery and the type of burial or entombment selected. Families should contact the cemetery or a family service advisor for current information about available options and fees.
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Can more than one person be buried in the same grave?Policies vary by cemetery and burial location. Some graves or cremation sections may allow more than one burial right, while others may not. Cemetery staff can explain what is possible for a specific location.
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Are urn vaults or liners required?Requirements vary by cemetery. An urn vault or liner may be required for in-ground burial to protect the urn and preserve the burial site. Families should confirm requirements with the cemetery before the committal.
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What should we expect on the day of burial?The family gathers at the burial or entombment location for the Rite of Committal. The urn may be placed on a small table or other appropriate stand during the prayers. After the rite, the cremated remains are reverently buried or entombed.
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Can cremated remains be separated or shared?No. Cremated remains should remain together and be placed in a sacred place of burial or entombment. They should not be divided among family members, scattered, kept as keepsakes, or made into jewelry.