Funeral Mass and Committal Service For Cremated Remains | St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish & Resurrection Cemetery

dsc_0130_csh_mass2

More Catholics are choosing to be cremated, but many are unsure about the Church’s teachings on the handling of cremated remains. In order to help Catholic families and in support of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries offered a gift, burial of cremated remains at no charge, to their parishioners. On Saturday, October 29, 2016, a funeral mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Marmora was celebrated by Msgr. Peter Joyce followed by a committal service at Resurrection Cemetery in Clermont. Cremated remains belonging to 14 loved ones were buried with 24 family members in attendance.

Family members were required to pre-register.  Although Resurrection Cemetery is located in Cape May County, parishioners throughout the Diocese of Camden participated.  Many expressed that at the time of their loved one’s death they were unable to let go and kept their loved one’s remains at home for years.  They continued to say that as time went by they were unsure of their options.  When they heard about the offer, they felt God was calling them and decided it was time to lay their loved one to rest.   Many expressed their gratitude and appreciation.

Marianne Linka, Director of Cemeteries, said, “The Vatican recently released the information Ad resurgendum cum Christo (To Rise with Christ) which provides clarification on the Church’s teaching regarding cremation and burial.   Cremated remains are the body of the deceased in a changed form, and we need to honor them as we honor the body. We are delighted that many parishioners accepted our gift.”   During the funeral mass, Msgr. Joyce explained, “The human body was the temple of the Holy Spirit during life, was fed at the Eucharistic table, and will share in the bodily resurrection.  We must show respect and honor by burying cremated remains in consecrated grounds.”

Godfrey Funeral Home located in Marmora graciously donated the use of their hearse and staff, and they led the funeral procession.  All of the cremated remains were transported respectfully from St. Maximilian Parish to Resurrection Cemetery.  Their generous contribution was a beautiful addition to our day of giving.

Recently we added several choices for interring cremated remains, including several new columbaria at three cemetery locations in the Diocese.  Visit our cemetery locations for more information.  We are here to help you place your one’s cremated remains to rest in sacred grounds.

If you would like information, please call us at 855-MyPrePlan and a member of our staff will assist you.

Scroll to Top