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.
"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.
Last weekend I quoted from the Church's official teaching on cremation. It says "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 person be present for the funeral rites." My experience as a priest is that when a body is present for the vigil/rosary service and for the Mass for the deceased person, the people (family and friends) are given a unique opportunity to grieve the loss of the person in a way that is unlike when the cremains of the person are present.
Funeral homes can make it possible for cremation to take place after the funeral rites. The family would then gather at the place of internment a few days after the funeral with a priest or deacon for the final prayers and blessing of the person's resting place. I ask that, if cremation is your decision for yourself and/or your loved one, that you consider the Church's teaching on the value of having the body of a deceased person present for the funeral rites and inform your family and me of your desires for yourself and your loved one. If immediate cremation is your final decision, know that it is permitted to have the cremains present at the rosary/vigil service and/or the funeral Mass. Practical and logistical factors with regard to all of this, should, of course, be recognized and considered.
Funeral homes can make it possible for cremation to take place after the funeral rites. The family would then gather at the place of internment a few days after the funeral with a priest or deacon for the final prayers and blessing of the person's resting place. I ask that, if cremation is your decision for yourself and/or your loved one, that you consider the Church's teaching on the value of having the body of a deceased person present for the funeral rites and inform your family and me of your desires for yourself and your loved one. If immediate cremation is your final decision, know that it is permitted to have the cremains present at the rosary/vigil service and/or the funeral Mass. Practical and logistical factors with regard to all of this, should, of course, be recognized and considered.
Some of us show an interest in our "family tree" by researching the origins of our family, or as far back as we can go. I know someone in my family was able to trace our family (my dad's side) back to the 1700's. As impressive as that is, it is even more amazing that ALL OF US (who are Christians) can trace our origins back 2,000 years to Jesus Christ. I will be blessed to join about 25 or our parishioners, under the leadership of our tour director Fran Boudreaux, to the Holy Land November 9-18. We will literally walk in the footsteps of Jesus and His apostles at a number of holy sites. Please keep us in your prayers in our travels and know that you will be in our prayers.