Cremation FAQ

Cremated remains can be interred in a mausoleum or gravesite, or kept by the family or scattered. If you choose to scatter the remains, check your local county laws regarding the scattering of ashes.

Catholic News Service announced that the Vatican now permits in the United States funeral Masses with cremated remains present. It will be the decision of each bishop to determine if this is pastorally appropriate in his diocese.

Cremation does require the same degree of preplanning as does traditional burial. After the death of a loved one, families and friends are grieving. In an emotional state of mind, people often have difficulty making important decisions, and they may later regret arrangements made in haste. Preplanning for your cremation removes the burden from friends and family.

The encased body is placed in the cremation chamber where, through heat and evaporation, the body is reduced to its basic elements. These elements are referred to as cremated remains. While commonly referred to as ashes, the final result since has neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes. Cremated remains are, in fact, bone fragments. Following preparation, these remains are either placed in a permanent urn or in a temporary container.

Most crematories have regulations regarding the container in which human remains intended for cremation be presented. The container must be rigid enough to be easily handled and it must provide coverage of the remains. Additionally, the container must meet appropriate standards to ensure the health and safety of the crematory operator will be protected.

California State law mandates that embalming is required when the body is shipped in or out of the state; buried above ground in a mausoleum or when a family requests a viewing for the memorial service or visitation. 

California State law mandates that embalming is required when the body is shipped in or out of the state; buried above ground in a mausoleum or when a family requests a viewing for the memorial service or visitation. 

Most religious faiths accept cremation. In fact, cremation is increasing in popularity across the nation. More people are turning to cremation as a more environmentally conscious option to traditional burial, as well as being (generally) more affordable.