Saint Theresa Parish

Deacon Hewitt's Q and A's on Organ Donation, Burials and Cremation

Sometimes, on the occasion of a funeral or when our heart is burdened by the death of a loved one, we realize that we have questions about the Church’s teaching on funerals, burial, and other issues surrounding the end of our physical life. Below, I’ve provided some common questions and answers. Before we get to specifics, it is very important for us to understand the Church’s teaching about the sacred nature of our bodies. Our bodies are not “shells” or “husks” that house our souls. The Church teaches that our souls and bodies to ether make us human beings (CCC 364- 365). Our bodies make the image of God present in the world, so our bodies should always receive the greatest care and respect as temples of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ Resurrection, his Ascension, and Mary’s Assumption all point to the importance of the body as an integral part of who we are as human persons. With that in mind, here are the questions:

1. Why is a funeral important? Each of us is part of something larger than ourselves – the Church. The funeral liturgy is a beautiful way to gather that larger family and solicit their prayers for those who have ended their physical life, but by faith are assured of continued unity with the Church in the Communion of the Saints. This liturgy, and the prayers of committal, call to mind all who have gone before us and confirm our oneness with them as the Body of Christ.

2. May Catholics donate their organs? Yes. The Church has consistently confirmed that this practice, ethically conducted, is “a challenge to our generosity and fraternal love” as Pope St. John Paul II said in Evangelium Vitae.

3. May a Catholic be cremated? The Church understands that there may be economic or practical reasons for the decision to be cremated. Because of the importance of the body mentioned above, ideally the body should be present for the funeral liturgy and cremation would follow. Many funeral homes have this option of simple embalming and a rented casket for the liturgy, followed by cremation. If cremation must take place immediately after death, the Church allows the cremated remains to be present in the church, provided that they are buried immediately afterwards.

4. If cremated, must a Catholic be buried? This is an emphatic yes! Cremated or not, a Catholic must be buried in a cemetery – a place set aside specifically for this purpose. Ashes may not be kept in the home of a loved one, divided up among loved ones, put into jewelry, cast into the sea, or otherwise dispersed in nature. Bodies or ashes may not be buried on private property or other places not set aside as cemeteries. These actions disrespect the body and, for the reasons stated above, the body should receive due reverence as an integral part of the person.