Cremation is permitted by the Catholic Church, and Catholics are reminded that the cremains (ashes) are to be treated with respect and dignity. Cremains should be buried or interred as soon as possible after a Funeral Mass. Cremains should never be displayed or stored in an urn at home or sprinkled over land or water, nor may they be divided among family members and friends. Just as the body is reverently buried, so too should cremains be buried reverently with prayer. Please speak with a priest or deacon if you have a question.