Cremation for Catholics
If you are a member of the Catholic Church concerned about what implications cremation has for you and your family, you don't have to worry any longer. Cremation has been a practice of the Catholic Church since 1963.
Original restrictions limited Catholics from using cremation services, however today; cremation is considered an acceptable option for Catholics. According to the Catholic Church,
"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."
Cremation Possibilities for Catholics
Cremation can either take place following the Funeral Liturgy, with the committal following the Funeral Liturgy, or the cremation remains can be present during the Funeral Liturgy. If you choose the third option, the cremated remains will be placed in a vessel and will be positioned where the casket would normally be.
The urn can be carried in the entrance procession or can be placed at the front of the Catholic Church before the liturgy begins. Usually, cremated ashes receive a traditional in-ground burial in a private or Catholic cemetery, following Mass. The ashes can also be entombed in an above-ground columbarium niche, crypt, or mausoleum. A site marker or plaque can be set in place to commemorate the burial place. This allows for permanent memorialization and provides a place of visitation and prayer for family and friends.
The Church does not advise cremation itself as a final means of disposition. The belief of the Catholic Church is that, "The scattering of remains, an irreversible process, or permanently placing a loved one's urn in the home of a relative, is not considered to be in harmony with the reverence that the Catholic Church requires. The exception would be a burial at sea, in which a worthy vessel containing a complete set of remains is placed at sea in a formal rite of committal ceremony."
If you are a member of the Catholic faith, the Cremation Society of Oklahoma would be honored to discuss your options with you. We will do everything we can to honor your beliefs and the instructions you have received from local clergy. At our family-owned business, the deceased's and family members' needs and wishes always come first.
We are here to help you and your family and would be happy to answer any of your questions! To learn more about our services and how we can accommodate you, contact us today at (918) 499-8787.
