Things to Consider When Choosing Cremation

In May of 1963, the Vatican’s Holy Office lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. This permission was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 as well as into the Order of Christian Funerals.

While the Church recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed, cremation is permitted as long as it has not been chosen for reasons contrary to Catholic teaching (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2301).

The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body of the deceased and should be entombed or buried in the ground or inurned in a mausoleum. If cremation has been chosen, it is preferred that the Funeral Mass or Liturgy be celebrated in the presence of the body of the deceased prior to its cremation (cf. OCF #418). If cremation has already taken place, the remains should be present at the Funeral Mass/Liturgy. They are to be placed in a worthy vessel or parish ossuary. A small table is prepared for the remains at the place normally occupied by the casket. The vessel may be carried in the entrance procession or placed on the table prior to the liturgy.

The decision to cremate is NOT the final decision in funeral planning. Final disposition is the act of placing cremated remains in a cemetery. The location should be reverent, documented, maintained and marked with information about the deceased.

The practice of scattering cremated remains at sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church recommends. It should be noted that burial at sea of cremated remains differs from scattering; an appropriate and worthy container, heavy enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped into the sea.

Please talk with your pastor or other parish minister if you have questions about Catholic burial practices or cremation and the Order of Christian funerals. Our staff can also assist you and answer your questions. (619) 264-3127

Cremation Options

In-Ground Cremated Remains Burial

• Single Burial
• Companion Burial
• Side by Side Burial
• Lawn-Level Marker Areas
• Upright Monument Areas

Cremation Graves at Calvary Shrine

At Good Shepherd we offer traditional ground burial for cremated remains. In many areas throughout the cemetery, we have reserved space for single or companion burials, as well as side by side burials. Under certain circumstances cremated remains can be placed in the grave of a close relative, however we will not place cremated remains in occupied crypts, caskets, burial vaults or lawn crypts.  The scattering of cremated remains within Good Shepherd Cemetery is not permitted. Please call us at (619) 264-3127 if you have any questions.

Above-Ground Cremation Niches

Inquire about these affordable above-ground cremation options:

• Single Inurnment
• Companion Inurnment
• Glass Front Niches
• Mosaic Niches

“Inurnment” is the placement of cremated remains in buildings or other structures. The term used for structures that contain cremated remains is “Columbarium”. They may be constructed of bronze, granite, marble or glass and can hold from one to several urns in a single space. The space containing the urn in a columbarium is called a “Niche”.

Catholics may now choose to be cremated. The revised Code of Canon Law (1983) states:

The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless it is chosen for reasons, which are contrary to Christian teaching.