Constitution

In April of 1997, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted permission for an indult in the United States. This allowed the diocesan bishop to permit the presence of cremated remains at a Funeral Mass. Subsequently, the Congregation confirmed the special texts and ritual directives (Prot. n. 1589/96/L for both indult and texts). These texts were then published as an appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. Over time, the Secretariat of Divine Worship has received numerous requests for clarification and suggestions on best practices concerning the presence of cremated remains at funerals and their appropriate final disposition or committal.

Cremation has become increasingly common in the United States, often promoted as a more affordable alternative to traditional burial. However, it is crucial to remember the Church’s teachings regarding the respect and honor due to the human body. The Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation emphasizes that while cremation is permitted, it does not hold the same value as the burial of the body. The Church strongly prefers and encourages the presence of the deceased person’s body during the funeral rites, as it better conveys the values affirmed by these rituals (no. 413).

Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation should occur after the Funeral Mass. This allows for the Vigil for the Deceased to take place in the presence of the body, offering an opportunity for appropriate reverence. The Funeral Mass can include rituals such as sprinkling with holy water, placing the pall, and honoring the body with incense. The Rite of Committal occurs after cremation (see Appendix, nos. 418-421). Funeral homes offer various options in such cases, including the use of “cremation caskets” or complete caskets that are cremated.

When cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, and the diocesan bishop permits the presence of cremated remains at the Funeral Mass, the Appendix provides adapted texts for various parts of the ceremony. It also offers specific details on how the funeral rites should be adjusted. The key principle is that cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the human body, using appropriate vessels, care in transport, and thoughtful final disposition, such as burial in a grave, entombment in a mausoleum, or placement in a columbarium. The practice of scattering remains in the sea, from the air, on the ground, or keeping them at home is not considered a reverent disposition (no. 417).

In cases where families choose cremation due to financial constraints and do not plan for the committal or burial of the cremated remains, some dioceses have provided pastoral support. They have offered Mass and committal services at Catholic cemeteries, providing a common vault in a mausoleum for the interment of these remains free of charge. The names of the deceased were recorded, even if they were not individually inscribed on the vault.

With the increasing prevalence of cremation, there is a need to educate the faithful about the Church’s teachings on this practice. Bishops and pastors should collaborate with funeral directors to provide accurate information to families planning funerals for their loved ones. Offering opportunities for the respectful burial of uninterred cremated remains can serve as a powerful witness to the importance of Christian burial and the belief in the resurrection. Pastors are encouraged to approach these situations with pastoral sensitivity, especially for those for whom cremation is the only viable option (see Appendix, no. 415).