As the premier provider for Catholic services in our community and with more families choosing cremation, informing you of these options just makes sense.
The phenomenon of cremation is still largely unfamiliar and emotionally uncomfortable for some Catholics. Although cremation has been a practice of the Catholic Church since 1963, restrictions allowed very few Catholics to choose it. In recent years, changes to these conditions made by the Catholic Church have enabled cremation to be considered an acceptable option.
Where the Catholic Church Stands?
Changes the Church has made
Since many Catholics find cremation to be a necessity at times, the important issue of whether or not the presence of cremated remains at Mass is acceptable needed to be officially addressed.
In 1997, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ request for an indult allowing for cremated remains to be present at Mass was answered favorably. The decision, passed down by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, grants each diocesan bishop the right to decide whether this practice will be allowed in his diocese.
When permission is granted, certain changes in the wording of funeral rites, as well as ceremonial modifications, must be made. These can be discussed in detail with your clergy.
What you should know about the final disposition of cremated remains?
How does the Church feel about scattering ceremonies?
Catholic Choices for Cremation
- When cremation takes place following the Funeral Liturgy.With this option, your loved one would be taken to church in a traditional casket and cremation would follow the Mass.
- When cremation and committal take place following the Funeral Liturgy.Similar to option 1, after the Mass and cremation, the urn would be interred in a cemetery.
- When the cremated remains are present during the Funeral Liturgy.This option is used when the deceased wishes to be cremated before any type of ceremony would take place. The cremated remains are to be placed in a worthy vessel on a small stand positioned where the casket normally would be. The urn may be carried to its place in the entrance procession or may be placed at the front of the Catholic Church before the liturgy begins.
Our family used the services of Chapel of the Angels recently for a Hindu funeral. The services provided were stellar leading up to the day of the funeral - Ian and Michele were very responsive to all of our questions about logistics, documentation, and the event, including on the weekends. On the day of, the facility was incredibly clean, beautiful, and peaceful. Andrea helped us with logistics day-of and was so kind, flexible about timing, and clear about how the Zoom recording and audio logistics would work. Our family felt that all the staff were kind and helpful, and we would not hesitate to use their services again should we have that need.