Niches: Cremation & Inurnment Cremation & The Order of Christian Funerals Click on link to print our brochure — Burial Options: Cremation & The Catholic Church
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When cremation is chosen, there are choices pertaining to
the Order of Christian Funerals.
If the cremation and
the final placement must precede the funeral rites —
This may result when burial occurs in a remote
location. An un-recovered body and a body donated to science
present similar cases. In these situations, a memorial gathering,
often with full celebration of the Mass following a time of
visitation, may be planned for family and friends to honor the
deceased and to strengthen the living.
If the cremation is done after
the funeral liturgy —
The Church prefers delaying the cremation until
after the Mass of Christian Burial. Accomplish this by renting
a casket with a removable liner for the Vigil and Funeral Mass. This allows
the presence of the body and all the power it conveys. The mourners might even be able to journey with
the body to the crematory. In any event, there should be a gathering
after the cremation for the Rite of Committal when the cremated remains are
placed in a cemetery or mausoleum. The cremation by itself, in the eyes
of the Church, is not adequate final disposition of the body
of a believer.
If the cremation is done before
the funeral liturgy —
Sometimes a cremation cannot be delayed until the funeral
rites have been celebrated. All the rites of the Order of
Christian Funerals can still be celebrated accordingly. Cremated
remains in a worthy vessel are to be treated with respect
and dignity because they are the remains of a human person.
While a picture of the deceased may be used during the visitation
and Vigil, it is not appropriate during the Funeral Mass when
the remains are placed in the sanctuary; much like a casket is closed during a Funeral Mass. Holy water and incense
may be used to reverence the remains and the Easter candle
burns nearby.
Purchasing
We have eight different cemeteries each with many niche locations and options, you can inquire about niche inurnment or initiate a purchase of a niche by calling or visiting any of our cemeteries to talk with a Family Service Counselor. You can request more information here. However you approach us, we wish to make a full disclosure of all your options and their costs.
If the cremation and
the final placement must precede the funeral rites —