Questions to ask regarding Catholic cremation

As a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, you’ll discover that Singapore is quite a mix of peoples and backgrounds. At around 38% of all the Christians living in the country, Catholics make up a good portion of the population in Singapore. As such, you might find yourself being invited to a Catholic funeral, or even searching for Catholic funeral packages yourself.

The basics of a Catholic funeral

Catholic funerals are religious services held for a Catholic who has passed away. This is a deeply spiritual event, as people who ascribe to the faith believe in life after death, and in the existence of Heaven or Hell. Where you go depends on your actions, your beliefs, and your morals. The Catholic funeral is a time to commemorate the deceased person, ask God for mercy, and for the deceased’s soul to rest in peace. 

The basic Catholic funeral package consists of three parts: the wake or vigil, where people pay respects to the dead in a short prayer ceremony, the funeral mass or service, and the burial or graveside service.

Catholic burials and cremations

Traditionally, Catholics were forbidden to be cremated and were only allowed to be buried. Cremation was seen as a sacrilegious act that desecrated the body and cremation was thought to be disrespectful towards Catholic beliefs.

But in May of 1963, the Vatican lifted this ban and allowed Catholics to be cremated. Now, under specific circumstances, cremations can be done on them. If you’re looking for affordable funeral services for Catholics, it is recommended that you look into cremation.

Addressing questions about Catholic cremation

Considering Catholic cremation for your loved ones? No doubt that you have many questions about it. Here are three common questions about Catholic cremations and their answers.

1. What are the costs of cremation? 

Are you considering placing the cremated remains in a columbarium? There are several fees that you have to think of, such as the costs of the urn and the entombment fee. There are also different kinds of fees to think of if you plan to put their remains in the ground.2

2.  Can I scatter the cremated remains? 

No. For Catholics, this is strictly forbidden. Scattering the ashes in the air, at sea, in the ground, or keeping the ashes at home is not permitted by the Church. 

3.What is an appropriate final resting place? 

The cremated remains must be placed in a mausoleum or buried in a Catholic cemetery.

Give your beloved a beautiful sendoff with the help of Eternal Life, a funeral parlour in Singapore. We provide services ranging from Christian memorial services, Buddhist funerals, cremation services, and more.