As Catholics we remember Christ’s victory over death and our promise of eternal life with God.
Preparation for death is an essential part of life for a Christian and Holy Angels Catholic Funeral, Cremation and Cemetery Services offers service to the faithful who have chosen cremation.
The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.
Catechism of the Catholic Church – 2301
The Church’s belief in the Resurrection encourages us to affirm the dignity of the body by celebrating a Funeral Mass with the body present. If it is not possible for the body to be present at the Funeral Mass, the Church has granted permission for the celebration of the Funeral Mass with the cremated remains of the body present in the church. There are slight adaptations in the liturgy. This should be discussed with the Priest when preparing for the Funeral.
The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Catechism of the Catholic Church – 2300
The Church teaches that the cremated remains of the body be buried or entombed and receive the “Rite of Committal.” Scattering the remains, keeping them at home, or dividing them among various family members is not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.