Cremation
Family members and friends find comfort, closure, and connectedness when they can locate and visit the burial place and memorial of their ancestors. Burial and memorialization in a Catholic cemetery continues to link the chain of your families' history for generations to come.
The Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Metuchen offer many options that will help best memorialize your life, and will allow your family a place for prayer and remembrance.
If you already have cremated remains of a loved one in your home, you can bring closure by selecting a dignified setting for visitation and prayer.
Choosing Cremation is Only the Beginning
More individuals seek cremation as burial alternative, says director
But in most instances it is cost factors and concerns for the environment that lead to the choice of cremation.
Does the church view cremation any differently than burial in-ground or in a mausoleum?
Cremated remains represent the sacred body. The Catholic church teaches that the cremated remains must be treated with the same dignity and respect as a full body.When should cremation take place?The church clearly prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral Mass and that cremation follow the Mass before the Celebration of the Rite of Committal. The presence of the human body better expresses the value which the Church affirms in her rites. However, when this is not possible, the cremated remains of the body can be present for the full liturgical Funeral Rites.
What happens after the funeral Mass?Following the Mass a family can have a post funeral reception (repast) as at this time the body is taken to the crematorium where the body is cremated and readied for burial which can take place the next day or any time thereafter. The Rite of Committal then takes place at the cemetery where the remains are buried in a grave or entombed in a niche. A burial of cremated remains is scheduled and treated the same as a full body burial. Families can arrange for a priest or deacon to perform the committal service prior to placement in the sacred space.
Can ashes of the cremated person be scattered?
No. Cremation is not the final disposition of the human body. The church requires that for final disposition, the cremated remains should be entombed in a mausoleum, columbarium or buried in a grave in a cemetery.
Scattering the ashes, keeping them at home or in another place, or dividing them among various family members is not the reverent disposition the church requires.
Why should the remains be buried or entombed in a cemetery?
There are spiritual and emotional benefits from placing cremated remains in a proper place of burial or entombment. It gives families and friends a sacred place where they can focus on their remembrance and prayers for the deceased. In Holy Cross, for example, the cremated remains are either buried in a separate area or placed in a glass or granite front niche in the Mary Sorrowful Mother mausoleum, both solemn and sacred spaces.
In addition, the first Saturday of every month, Mass is celebrated in the diocese’s two burial parks, Holy Cross and Resurrection in Piscataway, for all the deceased in the cemeteries.
How does an individual or family arrange for a cremation?
Cremations must be arranged through a funeral director.
Is cremation at Holy Cross only offered to Catholics?
Although the diocese has a Catholic crematorium, its services are available to families of all religious affiliations. The crematory also offers a non-secular chapel for families.
What should someone do who is thinking about cremation?
I would suggest they discuss the matter with their family or if they are pre-planning their funeral to talk with the funeral director.
To learn more about the services offered at the Diocese of Metuchen’s cemeteries, visit:
www.diometuchen.org/cemeteries or call the Office of Cemeteries at 732-463-1424.
The Choice To Be Cremated
Editor’s Note: On the grounds of Holy Cross Burial Park in East Brunswick is the diocese’s crematory. Only the second crematorium in a Catholic cemetery in the United States, the 4,000 square foot dwelling encompasses a viewing room as well as a chapel. With more individuals seeking cremation as an alternative to in-ground burial or a mausoleum, the Catholic Spirit interviewed Mary Ellen Gerrity, director, diocesan Office of Cemeteries, about cremation.
Many Catholics are still confused about cremation, why?
At one time the church prohibited cremation in the majority of circumstances, and some people are still unaware of the changes that took place over 40 years ago. In 1963 the Catholic church lifted the restriction against cremation. The practice of cremation was incorporated into the Order of Christian Funerals in 1997.
Why did the diocese build a crematory?
The crematory helps fulfill the diocese’s mission to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful from cradle to grave. When Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski blessed the crematory upon its opening in 2008, he said it was time for the church to provide a full-service cemetery for families. So now individuals who opt for cremation can do so in a Catholic cemetery.
How many people choose cremation and in general why?
Since the crematory opened, the choice of cremation has continued to rise. Today about 25 percent of burials in the diocese’s Catholic cemeteries are the burial of cremated remains.
For some individuals cremation is a personal preference. Cultural and family traditions also play a part in the decision.
1. Can a Catholic person be cremated?
Yes. On May 8, 1963, in the instruction of Piam et Constantem issued by the Holy Office, now known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, cremation was permitted. The practice of cremation was also incorporated into the Order of Christian Funerals in 1997.
2. When should cremation take place?
The church clearly prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral Mass and that cremation follow the Mass before the Celebration of the Rite of Commital. The presence of the human body better expresses the value which the Church affirms in her rites. However, in certain circumstances, when this is not possible, it is appropriate for the cremated remains to be present for the full liturgical Funeral Rites.
3. May I scatter the ashes of the person cremated?
No. The Church requires that for final deposition, the cremated remains of our loved ones should be treated with the same respect as the human body. Cremated remains should be entombed in a mausoleum, columbarium or buried in a grave in a cemetery. Whenever possible, appropriate means for memorializing the deceased should be utilized, such as a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased.
4. How do I arrange for a cremation at the Crematory at Cross Cemetery?
Cremations must be arranged through your family's funeral director.