Catholics and cremation

[azsnowman]

This thread is not intended to bash anyone, to run down a particular religion but, I've got a question. Michelles mother was cremated and her mothers last wishes were to have her ashes spread here in Pinetop, there's a certain spot that she LOVED. We did some research on the internet last night as to the legal aspects of spreading ashes, we came across a Catholic website (can't remember it) and it said that the Catholic religion does not allow a loved ones ashes to be spread! Can anyone explain this?

Dennis

[Guest]

Yes Dennis you are correct. The Catholic religion condones the cremation of one's body at death. Perhaps someone with more knowledge.

I know I had a cousin who died when she was 50 years old from an asthma attack and she wanted to be cremated. My aunt wasn't happy but she granted her sister's wishes.

Are there any restrictions to distributing of ashes - Dennis? Just curious.

[azsnowman]

Well, here in Az there's no particular law against it but you do have to notify the authorities. You cannot spread them in a public park, near or around waterways and I *think* that's it!

Dennis

[azskyman]

Dennis, there are many conflicting religious positions on cremation. Some as bold as to proclaim that those who are cremated can not transition to heaven.

I plan on being cremated, as does Kathy and my sons. I will be interested in knowing what you learn about Arizona law.

I do know that some areas on Indian Reservations and the Grand Canyon have restrictions for spreading ashes, but am not familiar with any local statutes that prohibit it on private property.

I'm curious how one would know that a small amount of ash is spread over an area anyway...and I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for it.

Steve

[blizzard]

Cremation is becoming a more and more popular every year. I plan on being cremated myself. It is less expensive for the family, if there isn;t sufficient insurance, and some people feel that it is more spiritual. Having your remains spread out over an area that you are very fond of. Becoming part of that particular area.

I think my remains should be used in the bar as powder for the dance floor. hehe just kidding,please do not take offense.


FYI...the remians of cremation are not really ashes, the heat is too intense for any ash material to remain. The remains are fragments of bone material and anything that will not incinerate, the remains are then ground and pulverized. So, if the remains were ever located, they could be identified as human remains. Hence the possibilty of state or local restrictions on spreading of the remains.

[GalvestonDuck]

Do you even know that your loved ones will get your remains? Remember that story of the crematorium in Georgia a couple of years ago?

I have nothing against those who want to get cremated, and my choice is not based on my religion but instead on my personal preference -- I'll decompose naturally when I go, while buried in a simple casket with a handful of Galveston sand. I wasn't born in KY and I hope I don't die in KY, but the family plot is there and that's where my body will rest when my soul goes to meet my Father.

Speaking of Galveston and spreading ashes, did anyone here see "The Evening Star," the sequel to "Terms Of Endearment?" When Aurora (Shirley MacLaine) was driving on the beach and tossed Jack Nicholson's characters ashes into the wind, the scene was filmed here on the beaches of Galveston.

Texas movie trivia, for the films buffs who are interested.

[bfez1]

Cremation does seem to be becoming more popular. In the last few years I have known several people who have chosen to be cremated. If requested, I think a person's last wish should be honored. JMO!
And it's a lot less expensive. Funeral expenses are outragous!

[coriolis]

I believe that cremation is not allowed by the catholic church. I think its related to the belief of the ressurection of the saints.

My thoughts:

Cremation ashes >> plant food
Standard burial >>worm food
Burial at sea >> shark food


When my time comes, I think I'll just go up in the mountains, and not come back down >> bear food

[streetsoldier]

Cremation is prohibited by the Roman Catholic Church because of their views on remains being preserved...especially when a Catholic has lived a saintly life and may be investigated for the honor of beatification, the remains are disinterred to examine them for "incorruptibility".

If the corpse appears highly resistant to natural putrefaction, it is considered a sign of divine favor.

As for me, I choose cremation; not only because of costs, but I see it as being merely an acceleration of the process...and after I'm long since gone from this earthly shell, why bother about it?

"Leave it there,
And let it lie;
It was 'me',
It is not I."

[GalvestonDuck]

From what I'm finding online, cremation is allowed now (since 1963). However, scattering of the ashes is not. And it is preferred to have a Mass celebrated BEFORE the cremation, while the body is still intact, but it is not always possible.

http://cemeteries.rcbo.org/images/pdfs/Cremation.pdf

http://www.njcatholiccemeteries.org/cremation.htm

http://www.cbcisite.com/funeralinthechurch.html

[ColdFront77]

Very true. My parents are looking into cremation and they wouldn't otherwise, if it were not allowed.

It has been allowed for at least a few years, (even though some I am Catholics have been cremated before it was "allowed")... apparently since 1963. I thought it has been more recently than 41 years ago, beings that there has been more talk about it in recent years than the last 30 to 40.

[streetsoldier]

As long as my cremation doesn't get placed in a Cremora jar, I'm happy.

[azsnowman]

I agree, the cost of cremation if by far, cheaper than being planted but yet, still on the pricey side.

NOW....another question, we all know when the day Christ comes out of the clouds with a sound of a trumpet, that ALL the dead in Christ shall arise from the grave first, correct? What happens to those of us who've been cremated, do we come back in a whirlwind, dust devil?? Our old pastor use to joke, on that day, you DON'T want to be standing in a cemetary!

Dennis