Cremation
The Order of Christian Funerals reflects a theology and a tradition in which burial of the body has been the principal manner of final disposition of the body.
The Order of Christian Funerals reflects a theology and a tradition in which burial of the body has been the principal manner of final disposition of the body. The long-standing practice of burying the body of the deceased in a grave or tomb, as was Jesus, continues to be encouraged by the Church as a sign of faith. Today, however, cremation has become an accepted part of Catholic burial practice.
This is a fairly recent development. The 1917 Code of Canon Law forbade the practice, and this prohibition continued until 1963 when an allowance was made for cremation. The 1963 concession is provided for in the 1969 Ordo Exsequiarum, the Latin edition of the revised Catholic funeral ritual and was later incorporated into the 1983 Code of Canon Law in canon 1176: “The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed; it does not, however, forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.”
Families often choose cremation as the most cost effective method of addressing the disposition of the remains of a loved one. The decisions do not stop with the act of cremation, however. The Church requires that the cremated remains be given the same respect due to the corporeal remains of a human body. Cremated remains should not be separated or scattered but should be placed in a worthy container and be buried or entombed in a cemetery or mausoleum.
Grave Reuse. Owners of an existing grave may add burial rights for cremated remains depending on the type and location of the grave owned. A member of our staff can advise as to what would be available for the specific location and grave type.
We offer several options including:
In-Ground Options
Cremation Graves
Grave reuse, which allows for the addition of cremated remains to an existing grave
Above-Ground Options
Granite niches in both indoor and exterior garden mausoleums
Glass niches are available at certain mausoleums.
Family niche cabinets focus on keeping the entire family together. The size of the niche cabinet is chosen by the family based upon the number of cremated remains to be inurned.
The addition of cremated remains to an existing crypt
We are here to help you explore your options for the final disposition of cremated remains. We are happy to answer questions, review costs and offer faith-based guidance.
Columbaria & Family Niche Cabinets
Columbaria are located inside a mausoleum or in a specific cemetery section, such as a garden setting. We offer granite niche cabinets as well as glass niche cabinets. Columbaria offer niche vaults for cremation urns and serve as lasting memorials to the departed. Additionally, private family niche cabinets are available at several cemetery locations.