Following up on last week's pastor's column on cremation, I wanted to share with you what the Church says about the importance of respect for cremated remains.  I quote: "The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come.  This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition."

"The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground; or, keeping the cremated remains in a home are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires."(#417 Decree of U. S. Bishops on Cremation.)

I pray that a decision for cremation considers these Church guidelines on the issue as much as is possible (i.e., the final disposition of deceased remains/cremains.)  I also hope that these relevant details are worked out and communicated to loved ones before death occurs.