When Catholic families lose a loved one who chose cremation, they face questions about what to do with the ashes. The Catholic Church gives guidance on this topic that respects both faith teaching and family needs.
Time Frame for Burial of Catholic Cremated Remains
The Catholic Church does not set a firm deadline for when cremated remains must be buried. Church teaching asks for burial “without delay,” but most priests understand that families need time to plan and grieve.
The USCCB (U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops) suggests that families should try to bury remains within weeks or months of cremation. This gives enough time to make plans while still showing respect for the body.
Maria Rodriguez from Phoenix kept her husband’s ashes for three months while his brother traveled from Spain for the burial. “Our priest was very kind about our situation,” Maria said.
Facts about Catholic cremation rules:
- In 1963, the Vatican (HQ of the RC Church) first allowed cremation
- The CDF (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) issued rules in 2016
- The CCL (Code of Canon Law) asks that remains be treated with dignity
- Most diocesan (local church area) cemeteries have special places for cremated remains
Some families face special problems that cause delays:
Tom Wilson from Boston shared, “Winter weather made us wait until spring to bury my mother’s ashes. The ground was frozen solid.”
The Johnsons needed six months to save money for a burial plot. “Our church was pacient with us during this hard time,” they said.
Church teaching is clear that ashes should not be:
- Kept at home forever
- Split among family members
- Scattered in parks or oceans
- Made into jewelry or art
The Church believes burial in a blessed place helps us remember that Catholics believe in bodily resurection at the end of time.
Father James Murphy, a priest in Chicago, offers this advice: “Talk to your parish priest about your family needs. The Church wants to help you honor your loved one while keeping with our faith.”
Some Catholic cemeterys offer payment plans for families who need help with costs. The CCA (Catholic Cemetery Assoc.) also has programs to help families in need.
If you face this choice, remember that the Church cares about both your faith path and your personal greif journey.
