The Celebration of Christian Funerals in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa – Cremation

Last week on “Liturgy in our Diocese”, we focused on the various symbols used in a funeral liturgy.  Our focus this week is on CREMATION.

Before 1996, the Order of Christian Funerals did not make any provision for the presence of the cremated remains of a body at the Funeral Liturgy.  On August 06, 1996, a request was made to the Apostolic See for an indult (a privilege or special permission granted by the Pope to bishops and others to do something otherwise prohibited by the general law of the Church) to permit the diocesan bishop to allow the presence of the cremated remains of a body at the Funeral Liturgy in the dioceses of the United States. On March 21, 1997, this indult was granted by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

In the Order of Christian Funerals, it tells us that “the body of the deceased Catholic Christian is also the body once washed in Baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the Bread of Life. (OCF, 412)

We must be mindful that “although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body.  The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.” (OCF, 413)

“The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come.  This includes: (a) the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes; (b) the manner in which they are carried; (c) the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport; and (d) final disposition.” (OCF, 417)

Here in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, as stipulated in the approved Guidelines for the Celebration of Christian Funerals, the following are to be observed:

1. When the family of the deceased have decided to cremate the body of the deceased, it is strongly recommended that the cremation take place AFTER the Funeral Liturgy. After the funeral liturgy, then the proper disposition of the remains will follow which is burial in a grave, or entombment in a mausoleum or columbarium.  The Rite of Committal is conducted at the time of burial or entombment.
2. If cremation takes place before the Funeral Liturgy, then the following protocols are in order during the Celebration of the Funeral Mass: 
3. The introductory rites are held which includes the blessing of the urn.  The Priest greets the family at the doors of the church or in the gathering area.
4. At the gathering area, a table should be provided so that the urn is placed on the table during the introductory rites and blessing.
5. The urn is then brought to the front of the church and placed on a table at its customary place in front of the paschal candle.
6. Cremated remains placed inside the casket to give a false impression of a full body is strictly PROHIBITED. Furthermore, a pall or any other covering is not placed on the urn.
7. The final commendation is held including the incensing of the urn.
8. The cremated remains are then taken to the cemetery for the committal service.
9. It is strongly recommended that the committal of the cremated remains takes place immediately following Mass, as is the custom for the corporal remains of a human body.
10. It is possible that there will be instances the committal may be delayed because of extenuating circumstances such as the deceased to be buried at an out of state cemetery.
11. It should be noted that before granting permission for the cremated remains to be present for the Mass of Christian Burial, the priest should have assurance from the funeral service provider and the family that the cremated remains will be properly interred or entombed within a reasonable amount of time.  If this cannot be ascertained, it is a legitimate reason to disallow the Funeral Mass with the cremated remains present and require that a Memorial Mass be offered instead.
12. “The practices of dividing, commingling and scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased is not permitted. (OCF, 417)
13. “Whenever possible, appropriate means for recording with dignity the memory of the deceased should be adopted, such as a plaque or stone which records the name of the deceased.” (OCF, 417)

Thank you and May God Bless Us All.