Per the Cathecism of the Catholic Church: "The Christian funeral confers on the deceased neither a sacrament nor a sacramental since he has "passed" beyond the sacramental economy. It is nonetheless a liturgical celebration of the Church.185 The ministry of the Church aims at expressing efficacious communion with the deceased, at the participation in that communion of the community gathered for the funeral and at the proclamation of eternal life to the community."
Given the need to address various facets of a Catholic funeral, mourners should contact the parish office as soon as possible. possible. The parish priest will meet with the mourner (s) to gather information about the deceased; provide guidance on the liturgy funeral home, including wakes; and set a date for the funeral mass.
Cremation and Reposing of Cremated Remains
The Catholic Church prefers that the funeral mass take place with the body of the deceased loved one present. After the Mass, the remains can be cremated. While this incurs the added expenses (e.g. coffin rental, hearse services), families are encouraged to do what is possible to choose to have the deceased's body present at the Mass. If this is not possible, please speak to the parish priest about other options.
Once the remains of the loved one have been cremated, the Church requires interment or entombment of the remains in a columbarium, burial plot in a cemetery, or mausoleum. Options, such as scattering ashes in the air, ground, or sea; floating them on the sea; or keeping the cremation ashes at home; or wearing amulets with cremation ashes are NOT PERMITTED.
