• While the Church recommends and prefers that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed, cremation is permitted as long as it has not been chosen for reasons contrary to Catholic teaching (Code of Canon Law 1176.3, Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2301).

• It is preferred that the funeral Mass or the funeral Liturgy outside of Mass be celebrated in the presence of the body of the deceased prior to its cremation. (OCF Appendix Cremation, #411-438).

• The significance of having the body of the deceased present for the funeral Liturgy is indicated throughout the Mass texts and ritual actions. Therefore, when arrangements involving cremation are being made, the following items are recommended:
• Following a wake, or a time of visitation, the funeral Liturgy may be celebrated in the presence of the body of the deceased person, and that following the funeral Liturgy, the body of the deceased may be cremated
• At an appropriate time, the family will gather at the cemetery for the burial of the cremated remains.
• The Rite of Committal takes place at this time with the inclusion of the proper prayers for the committal of ashes (OCF #406.3).



• Cremated remains should be treated with the same respect given to the remains of a human body and should be entombed or buried. The scattering of cremated remains on the ground or on the sea or keeping any portion of them for personal reasons is not the reverent final disposition that the Church directs.