For Catholic families, burial is an important bookend to a life of faith. Traditional burial in the Catholic faith involves elaborate services and internment in the ground, with each step of the process marked by specific routines and rituals. However, the modern Catholic Church does allow cremation if particular rules are followed.
If you are a Catholic considering cremation in Brownstown, here are the guidelines you need to consider:
Respecting the body
The Church places great importance on the physical body and respects it in death and burial. As such, many people still believe that cremation cannot be chosen by faithful Catholics. However, if the body is treated with care and dignity throughout the process, cremation is currently accepted by the Church. (If you have specific questions, speak with your family’s priest about the Church’s stance on cremation.)
Funeral Rites
Another concern for many Catholic families is the tradition of the burial rites that are central to Catholic burial. The funeral mass is typically spoken over the physical body. The church does encourage the physical body to be present for the funeral mass, ideally intact and before cremation in Brownstown. If this is not possible, the rituals can be performed over the cremated remains, although this is not considered ideal.
Handling of Cremated Remains
Going back to the respect demanded when handling a body throughout the burial process, the Church also requires that cremated remains be handled with dignity. This may hamper some families’ plans, as this dignity insists that the cremated remains be buried in the ground or in a consecrated mausoleum. Scattering ashes, keeping them in the home, or dividing them among loved ones is not permitted, nor is using the remains for any other purpose.
Memorialization
The church encourages family members and friends to pray for, remember, and visit the burial place of the deceased. This is yet another reason the remains should be buried in a Catholic cemetery rather than scattered or kept by a single person. This way, loved ones can continue to visit the person in a sacred space.
If you find yourself confused or needing assistance, reach out to the staff at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery. They have the resources to help you and a deep understanding of exactly what you need.
