What Is Allowed
Cremation is permitted
The Church permits cremation, provided it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. Cremation has been allowed since 1963.
CIC Can. 1176 §3
Burial of the body is preferred
The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burying the bodies of the deceased. Burial imitates the burial of Christ and more clearly expresses hope in the bodily resurrection.
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 3; CIC Can. 1176 §3
Ashes must be kept in a sacred place
When cremation is chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place — a cemetery, church columbarium, or area set aside for this purpose by the Church.
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 5
Funeral Mass with the body present is preferred
The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, including the Funeral Mass. Cremation should take place after the funeral liturgy when possible.
OCF Appendix; Ad resurgendum cum Christo 4
Funeral Mass with cremated remains is permitted
When cremation takes place before the funeral liturgy, the cremated remains may be brought to the church for the Funeral Mass. The urn is treated with the same respect as the coffin.
OCF Appendix
What Is Not Allowed
Scattering ashes is not permitted
It is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the faithful departed in the air, on land, at sea, or in some other way. This includes scattering in gardens, forests, oceans, or from aircraft.
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 7
Keeping ashes at home is not permitted
The conservation of ashes in a domestic residence is not permitted except in grave and exceptional cases dependent on cultural conditions of a localized nature, as authorized by the bishop.
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 6
Dividing ashes is not permitted
Ashes may not be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry, or other objects. They may not be divided among family members. The ashes must remain together in their entirety.
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 7
Common Questions
When did the Church start allowing cremation?
The Holy Office (now the CDF) lifted the prohibition on cremation in 1963. However, the Church has always preferred burial. The 1983 Code of Canon Law formally codified the permission, and the 2016 instruction Ad resurgendum cum Christo clarified the norms for handling cremated remains.
Why does the Church prefer burial?
Burial imitates the burial of Christ himself. The body was a temple of the Holy Spirit and is destined for resurrection. Burying the body shows reverence for the person and more clearly expresses the Church's faith that "the earthly body will rise again on the last day."
Ad resurgendum cum Christo 3
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure with small niches designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. Many Catholic churches and cemeteries have columbaria on their grounds. This is one of the sacred places where ashes may properly be interred.
Can I have both a funeral Mass AND cremation?
Yes. The preferred order is: (1) Vigil/Wake with the body present, (2) Funeral Mass with the body present, (3) cremation after the Mass, (4) burial of the ashes in a sacred place. However, if cremation has already occurred, the cremated remains may be brought to the church for the Funeral Mass.
OCF Appendix
What if someone's ashes are already scattered or kept at home?
If ashes have already been scattered, what is done cannot be undone — pray for the deceased and trust in God's mercy. If ashes are kept at home, the faithful are encouraged to bring them to a sacred place for proper interment. Speak with your pastor, who can guide you through this process with compassion.