The Church and Cremation
1.  As a Catholic can I be cremated?
Yes, The Church’s definite preference is for burial of the body. However, since 1963 cremation has been permitted. 
 
2.  Do I need to ask permission to be cremated?
No, it is a good idea to discuss your reasons with your pastor. 
 
Cremation:
1.  When should cremation take place?
The Church strongly prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body has taken place.  The Church believes strongly that the presence of the body helps the mourners celebrate the funeral liturgy better and thus expressing the Church’s values and teachings on the resurrection better.
 
2.  Is it necessary to embalm?
When cremation follows the funeral liturgy, embalming is usually necessary.  When cremation is to follow soon after death embalming is not necessary.  Each state has its own regulation in this matter.  Normal rule of thumb is that if the human body is not buried or cremated before 24 or 48 hours after death it should be embalmed.  (Check with your funeral home for more information)
 
3.  Is it necessary to purchase a casket?
No it is not necessary to purchase a casket for cremation.  The only thing required is a simple container in which the body can be transported and place in the cremation chamber.  If you choose to have the body present for Mass, with cremation to follow, rental is an option.  Many funeral directors offer regular caskets for rent, as well as special cremation or shell caskets which you may purchase.
 
Careful Handling and Proper Interment of Cremated Remains
1.  What is the proper container for cremated remains?
An appropriate, worthy container (not necessarily expensive) such as a classic urn are proper for cremated remains.  At the present time the Bishops of the United States has only determined what is not a proper container.  For example jewelry, dishes, statuary, and space capsules are offered by funeral homes they are not considered appropriate containers for human ashes. 
 
2.  How are cremated remains transported? 
Transportation of cremated remains is a matter of personal choice.  Individuals personally carrying a deceased person’s ashes will often have the added responsibility of packing and transporting the urn.  Using the principle of respect for the body, you may wrap the container or created remains with the possibility of sending it as accompany baggage or take it along as carry-on luggage.  Please check with airline officials (and possibility the Department of Public Health) for specific information about a particular state’s laws.
 
3.  Must cremated remains be buried or entombed?
Yes, respectful final disposition of cremated remains involves internment or entombment.  Burial options include a family grave, in a cemetery marked with a traditional memorial stone or an urn garden (a special section of the cemetery with small, pre-dug graves. 
 
4.  What is a columbarium?
A common practice is for entombment of the cremated remains in a columbarium.  It is an arrangement of niches either in a mausoleum, a room, or wall into which an urn or other worthy vessel is placed for permanent memorial. 
 
5. May I scatter the cremated remains?
NO! the practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church envisions or requires.   Please not that that ashes can be buried at sea if they remain in a worthy and heavy enough (sinking all the way down) to become the final resting place.  (Once again consult government officials for other civil laws that may need to be followed for burial at sea.)
 
6.  May anything be added to cremated remains such as the cremated remains of other persons, pets, or objects?
The principle for the cremated remains of the deceased person embraces the deeper belief in the individuality of each baptized person before God.  Through history, the mingling of remains has never been an accepted practice, except in extraordinary circumstances. 
 
Pre-Death Instructions
1.  Who decides if I am cremated?
In most cases you make the decision to be cremated. However, you survivors may decide to have you cremate, generally due to a special family circumstance.
 
2.  How do I make my wishes known?
If you desire that your body be cremated or to remain whole, you can do so by telling family members, mentioning it in your will and filling out a document if your preplan for your funeral a head of time.
 
3.  Must I honor my parent’s or spouse’s wishes in regards to cremation?
Out of respect for your loved ones, you will want to do all you can to carry out the wishes of the deceased concerning funeral services provided that they are in line with the Catholic Church’s teaching.  At the same time you must weigh the therapeutic value to the family of celebrating the full funeral liturgy with the body present.