The following information is provided to guide you through the process of arranging for the burial / entombment of cremated remains:

Since 1963, cremation has been allowed for Catholics as long as it was not chosen as a sign of denial of Christian teaching. Today, about 1 in 3 New Yorkers choose cremation, and this percentage is expected to continue to increase.

Because of the changing trends in funeral practice, the Bishops of New York have prepared this information to highlight the important elements of Church teaching concerning cremations. This teaching is rooted in the Church's belief in the sacredness of the human body, the dignity of the individual person, and the resurrection of the dead.

• Although cremation is permitted, Catholic teaching continues to stress the preference for burial or entombment of the body of the deceased.

• Families choosing cremation should avail themselves of the full course of the Order of Christian Funerals: the Vigil Service, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal.

• The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body be present during the funeral rite and cremation take place following the Final Commendation and before the Rite of Committal.

• The local Bishop may permit the cremated remains to be present for the Funeral Liturgy.

• Cremated remains must be treated with the same respect given to casketed remains, including the manner in which they are carried and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport.

• In New York State, the act of cremation is considered final disposition of the body of the deceased, but Church teaching insists that cremated remains must be given the same respect as the body.

• The cremated remains of a body are to be buried or entombed, preferably in a Catholic Cemetery.

• Scattering cremated remains, dividing cremated remains, or keeping cremated remains in the home are not the reverent disposition the Church requires.

• Combining cremated remains is unacceptable.

• A worthy container, such as an urn, is required for cremated remains. Jewelry, dishes, statuary, and space capsules are unacceptable. It is also unacceptable to have cremated remains made into jewelry, dishes, or the like.

If you are considering cremation, it is wise to discuss your choice with your family and parish priest. Peace be with those who have left us and have gone to God.

Prayer for the Dead and the Living

May they be at peace. May they be with God.
May they be with the living God.
May they be with the immortal God.
May they be in God's hands.
May they sleep in peace.
May they be where the name of God is great.
May they be with the living God, now and on the day of judgement.
May they live in eternal light.
May they live in in the peace of the Lord.
May they live forever in peace.
With God in peace.
Amen.

The Interment of the Cremated Body

We offer this information to you with our desire, not to burden you with policies or procedures, but in an effort to provide you with information necessary to facilitate your arrangements as efficiently and effectively as possible at this difficult time.

Cremated Remains - Cremated remains may be interred or entombed in a Catholic Cemetery. The Church teaches that cremated remains should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains of a human body and that the cremated remains of a body should be reverently interred or entombed in a cemetery. It is traditional for Catholics to be laid to rest in a Catholic Cemetery. While it is recommended that cremation take place after the liturgy, it is now permitted for the cremated remains to be present during the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial.

Regarding Requirements - The next-of-kin should contact their parish priest before the cremation takes place to discuss the arrangements for the funeral liturgy. If it has been longer than a year from the time Mass was celebrated to the time the interment was performed, or a Funeral Mass was not celebrated, we require a Christian Burial Permit or a letter from the deceased's parish stating that the deceased is entitled to burial in a Catholic Cemetery.

All Necessary Paperwork/Payment - An interment order must be placed with the Cemetery to arrange for a date for the opening of the site. To make certain all necessary paperwork is in order, arrangements for an interment order can be made by telephone, with copies of necessary paperwork either being faxed or sent special messenger with payment. Payment, arrangements and paperwork must be completed and received at least two weeks prior to the interment date. Payment is accepted by bank check, certified check, or money order. Please contact our office for the current applicable opening fee.

Explanation of Detailed Paperwork Needed/Acceptance/Transport of Cremated Remains - On the day of the interment, the cremated remains must be brought to the Cemetery by a family member or a funeral director. We will not accept cremated remains forwarded by mail, or from a common carrier. On the day of the interment, it is also required that the Certificate of Right of Burial, Christian Burial Permit or parish letter, municipal permits, cremation certificates and all required signed and notarized affidavits be presented at the Cemetery Office.

All of the above is predicated on the fact that the deceased has a legal right to interment in the grave, crypt, or niche. (Please call the cemetery office for any further inquiries or to clarify the above information.)