Niches: Cremation & Inurnment Background: A Better Understanding Click on link to print our brochure — Burial Options: Cremation & The Catholic Church
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From 1886 to 1963 the practice of cremation was forbidden for Roman
Catholics around the world. In the spirit of Vatican Council II
(1962-1965), the practice was restored in 1963. Nevertheless, over
40 years later, uncertainty regarding cremation remains prevalent.
Yes, Catholics can choose to be cremated. The revised Code of Canon
Law (1983) states — The Church earnestly recommends that the pious
custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation,
unless this is chosen for reasons, which are contrary to Christian
teaching (Canon 1176, paragraph 3). Obviously, denial of the Resurrection
of the body or an attachment to non-Christian (secular or religious)
beliefs would be contrary to Christian teaching.
Going back into Christian history and tradition, the Church has
always expressed a preference for full-body burial, whether above-ground
or in-ground. The risk taken by Joseph of Arimathea to claim the
body of Jesus after his death on the cross shows the respect Christians
have for the human body.
God not only created us in the fullness
of our humanity, but also sent his Son to take on our body and our
nature. Being made in the image and likeness of God makes our bodies
Look as well at the elaborate efforts, again risking arrest and
death, of the Christians living in persecuting Rome. They worshipped
underground and buried their dead in catacombs, over 300 miles of
excavated tunnels and caverns.
Actually, the Church did not have difficulty with the process of
reducing a human body to its component parts by fire, as much as
with the internal attitudes or beliefs often underlying this external action.
Why did Christians move away from cremation?
Faith in the Resurrection of the body
Reverence for the body as a member of the Body
of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit
A strong reaction to persecutors' burning of
bodies as a taunt against belief in the Resurrection
Why can Christians choose cremation?
Transfer of the remains from a distant place
Financial, ecological or space considerations
National or ethnic customs
Concerns or fears about burial or entombment
Simple personal preference or a choice made
on behalf of another
We have eight different cemeteries each with many niche locations and options, you can inquire about niche inurnment or initiate a purchase of a niche by calling or visiting any of our cemeteries to talk with a Family Service Counselor. You can request more information here. However you approach us, we wish to make a full disclosure of all your options and their costs.