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Christian Preferences
With the significant increase in the growth of cremation many Christian faiths have revised their funeral and burial rites and rituals to accommodate the various options associated with the cremation process.
In cases where the deceased is of the Anglican faith it is the church's policy to have a short committal service, often referred to as the "Committal to Flame", at the crematory prior to cremation. Immediate family members are welcome to attend; otherwise, the service will proceed with the clergy and funeral director. The United Church will also conduct a similar committal service at the crematory if requested by the family. Both faiths have revised or written liturgy to accommodate this ritual. As yet it is not offered by other Christian faiths.
Cremation and the Catholic Church
In accordance with information distributed by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, "cremation is a fairly recent development" for Roman Catholics. The 1917 Code of Common Law prohibited the practice until 1963. At that time allowance was made by the Holy Office for "cremation in cases of necessity as long as it was not chosen as a sign of denial of Christian teaching". Finally, in 1963 it was incorporated into the Code of Common Law, which states: " 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."
Preferred Practice
Through the centuries, the Catholic Church has followed the practice of burial or entombment, similar to Christ's own burial, out of respect for the human body in the Resurrection. Although cremation is now permitted, it is the Church's preference that this traditional practice be maintained. Furthermore, the church prefers that the body of the deceased is present for its funeral rites.
In the Order of Christian Funerals the Catholic Church proposes three separate and sequential funeral rites as the most fitting way to offer praise and thanksgiving for the gift of a life lived.
They are:
- The Vigil for the Deceased (Wake or viewing and visitation)
- The Funeral Liturgy (Funeral service at church)
- The Rite of Committal (Graveside service at cemetery)
The preference that the body be present for its funeral rites is reflected in the Order of Christian Funerals, which contains provisions for the cremation of the deceased at the conclusion of the funeral liturgy before the Rite of Committal.
Therefore, in accordance to contemporary Catholic teaching and practice, a funeral service for a Catholic consists in bringing the body of the deceased to the church for celebration of the Funeral Mass and the interment in consecrated ground of a Catholic cemetery, whenever one is available.
When cremation occurs first
It is not always possible for the body to be present for the funeral liturgy. Economic, geographic, cultural and family circumstances on occasion make the cremation of the deceased the only feasible choice. Under circumstances such as these, the Catholic Church considers it appropriate for the cremated remains to be present for the full funeral rites, including the Vigil for the Deceased, Funeral Liturgy and Rite of Committal.
Generally, when present in the church, the cremated remains are placed on a small table in front of the altar before the Liturgy. After the people have assembled, the Funeral Mass is celebrated with some minor changes in prayers and in the rituals. Signs of reverence such as the sprinkling of the holy water and incensing the cremated remains may be used. Following the services the cremated remains should be reverently buried or entombed in a Catholic cemetery, columbarium or mausoleum.
The practices of scattering cremated remains at sea, from the air or the ground or keeping the cremated remains at home is not considered appropriate by the Church. Some form of memorialization such as a plaque or headstone that records the name of the deceased is encouraged.
This coincides with the teachings of other Christian faiths, which specify that burial of cremated remains in consecrated ground should be the first option. Most clergy will not insist upon this rule and are often called upon to make compromises. One such compromise is the separation of the cremated remains into two or more containers with one being buried, and the contents of the other scattered.
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