Is it ok if you are a Catholic to be cremated?

Answer 1

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Catholic AnswerUnder certain circumstances, it is considered okay, although not preferred. Those circumstances include:

you are already dead

you are not using cremation to demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.

and finally, the Church prefers that if a body is cremated, it is done after the funeral.

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from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 19942301 . . . The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. (Code of Canon Law, canon 1176, section 3)

Answer

Although burial is considered a better choice, the Church allows cremations but that ashes are not allowed to be scattered since it is a pagan tradition and it is like rejecting eternal life since your body is reunited with your soul.

It was forbidden long ago because it is a pagan tradition but they allow it now.

It is more of a pagan tradition so it is discouraged but it is allowed nontheless. We believe God can change us back but the ashes should not be scattered because it is like we rejecting God's offer of eternal life since our souls will be reunited with our bodies.

Answer 2

Yes, they need to be buried in a cemetery, or placed in a mausoloem or columbarium. They cannot be sprinkled over the ocean or ground or air; they should not be kept at home.

Answer 3

Yes, even though they have been cremated, the remains should be interred in a cemetery or mausoleum. The Church does not approve of holding the ashes in homes or scattering them.