Catholic cemeteries have a long tradition of dedicated service to the community through the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. The seventh Corporal Work of Mercy is to bury the dead, and it is our mission to carry this out regardless of one’s practiced faith.

Cremation is the reduction of the body of a deceased person to recoverable bone fragments through a process that combines intense heat and evaporation. After cooling, the fragments are pulverized. These fragments usually weigh 4-10 pounds.

It is commonly known referred to the word “ashes”. It is not actually ashes, but of bone fragments. The proper terminology of the fragments is “cremated remains of the body.”

No, it is not required but it may be helpful to discuss your questions and decisions with your priest or parish counselor.

Yes, in 1963 the Catholic Church eliminated its prohibition against cremation. Although cremation represents a means of disposition preferred by many, it is not the “final disposition”-burial is. Human cremated remains are still the body of the deceased-just in a different form. Thus, cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the “full” body is treated prior to cremation. They should be buried in a cemetery.

No. The document kept on file at the cemetery is called a “permit for disposition.” It is issued by the Health Department Registrar in the county in which the deceased expired.

Yes. For more information, or if you have additional questions, please contact your parish priest.

Yes. It is recognized that those who died from the act of suicide deserve understanding and compassion. The deceased may have been suffering from a serious psychological instability or overwhelming fear and confusion. Therefore, the church offers funeral and burial rites for those who may have died as a result of suicide. The American edition of the Catholic ritual includes prayers evoke forgiveness for the departed and consolation to their family.