Catholic Church

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997, section 2301):

“The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. (Code of Cannon Law 1176 # 3.)”

In 1998, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement about cremation and the Catholic Church. It is available for downloading, and is partially reprinted below:

“Some people do not know whether cremation is permitted for Catholics. The answer is simply: yes."

“Cremation as such was never seen as incompatible with Christianity, but it was the motives that were suspect. When it became apparent that cremation was also being promoted for reasons that were not anti Christian but rather to confront materialism and a denial of death, the Church, in 1963, lifted its prohibition. Therefore, Catholics are free to choose cremation for any reason, unless it is for reasons that are contrary to Christian teaching.”

“The Church asks that, in keeping with a spirit of reverence, the cremated remains be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or a columbarium (a place for the entombment of cremated remains), that is, in a place especially designated for this purpose and reserved as such.”

“Scattering cremated remains on the sea, in the air, on the ground, or keeping them in the homes of relatives does not display appropriate reverence, and the Church does not offer a prayer service when that kind of disposal has been chosen.”

(Catholics and Cremation, edited by the National Liturgy Office, and published by Publications Service, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2500 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 2J2 Canada. Copyright © Concacan Inc. 1998, 2003. All rights reserved.)

A Bayview representative is always available if you wish to learn more about cremation options. You can choose to speak to someone in either English or Italian – just request your preference when you call us toll-free at 1.800.563.4045.