In April 1997, the Vatican granted permission (indult) for cremated remains to be present at Funeral Masses in the United States, provided the diocesan bishop approves. This was later accompanied by specific texts and guidelines added to the Order of Christian Funerals.

Although cremation is permitted by the Church, it is not considered equal in value to burial of the body. The Church strongly prefers the body be present for funeral rites, as it more fully expresses the dignity and meaning of the human person. When possible, cremation should take place after the Funeral Mass to allow traditional rituals, such as the Vigil and the sprinkling and incensing of the body.

If cremation occurs beforehand and the bishop permits the ashes to be present, the Church provides adapted rites to ensure respectful treatment. The cremated remains must be kept in a worthy container and buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. Scattering ashes or keeping them at home is not permitted.

Due to financial hardship, some families may delay or avoid burial of the remains. To address this, some dioceses have offered pastoral solutions, such as communal interment services at Catholic cemeteries.

As cremation becomes more common, the Church encourages education of the faithful and collaboration with funeral directors to ensure that practices uphold Church teaching. Pastoral sensitivity is key, particularly for families with limited options.

For information about cremation from the USCCB, please click here.