Queen of Peace Catholic Community Memorial Columbarium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Church's position on cremation?

Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, the Church clearly prefers and urges that the body the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.

What Funeral Rite options are available for cremated Catholics?

The Church strongly prefers the presence of the body of the deceased at the Funeral Liturgy and recommends that cremation take place following the Funeral Liturgy, which includes the Mass of Christian Burial (Funeral Mass). In some cases, it may be necessary for cremation to take place prior to the Funeral Mass. Funeral Rites are permitted to be celebrated with the presence of cremated remains. This includes the Vigil for the Deceased, the Mass of Christian Burial, and the Rite of Committal.

Where should the Funeral Mass be celebrated?

The Funeral Mass will normally be celebrated in the parish church to which the deceased belonged. It is possible to choose any Catholic Church for a Funeral Mass, provided the pastor of that church agrees and the pastor of the deceased has been informed. The Funeral Mass may also be celebrated in approved chapels of long-term care institutions and in other approved chapels. The Funeral Mass may not be celebrated in funeral homes or in cemetery chapels; however, the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass may be celebrated in a funeral home or cemetery chapel.

What is the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass?

In the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass, the community gathers to hear the message of Easter hope proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word and to commend the deceased to God. Ordinarily celebrated in the parish church, the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass may be celebrated in the home of the deceased, a funeral home, parlor, chapel of rest, or cemetery chapel. This rite may be used for various reasons:

• When the Funeral Mass is not permitted on the following: solemnities of obligation; Holy Thursday; the Easter Triduum; the Sundays of Advent and Lent; and the Easter Season.
• When in some places or circumstances it is not possible to celebrate the Funeral Mass before the committal, for example, if a priest is not available.
• When, for pastoral reasons, the pastor and the family judge that the Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass is a more suitable form of celebration.

Are Memorial Masses permitted?

It is not permitted to schedule a Memorial Mass, that is a Funeral Mass, without a body or the cremated remains of a body present. In some unusual circumstance (e.g., donation of a body to medical science, a disaster where a body has been lost or destroyed) permission may be requested of the bishop for the celebration of a Funeral Mass without human remains present. Permission must be asked in each individual circumstance through the parish.

What are the interment options for cremated Catholics?

Unless serious reason prevents it, the cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium.

Is the scattering of ashes permitted by the Church?

Does the Church allow ashes to be divided among family members? The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground or keeping cremated remains in the homes are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.

What are the State of Florida laws regarding cremation?

According to Florida law, cremation can take place after all of the following conditions have been met:

• Civil and medical authorities have issued all required permits or documents.
• All necessary next-of-kin authorizations have been obtained and no objections have been raised.
• Forty-eight (48) hours have transpired since the death occurred.

What are the standard cremation procedures?

After any ceremonies or viewing have been completed, the deceased is placed in a casket or alternative container which is placed into a cremation chamber. Intense heat and flame incinerates the container and its contents. The cremated remains are then removed from the cremation chamber and placed into the designated container for burial.

What questions should be asked to determine the level of service offered by a provider?

• When a person is to be cremated after the funeral services, are there options other than purchasing a casket? Yes. Can a casket be rented for use during funeral services? Yes. Speak to your funeral director.
• What options are available for burial of cremated remains if there is no family plot? Internment in the Queen of Peace Catholic Community Columbarium, or any other columbarium. Purchase a cremation plot at a local For qualified veterans, free burial is available at any national cemetery.
• What are the costs related to cremation? Costs can vary greatly. Check with your local Funeral director.

"On Holy Ground"

Our Parish Columbarium offers these benefits:

Perpetual Care

The Code of Canon Law requires the Catholic Church to perpetually maintain its places of burial. Hence, care will always be assured.

Security

Proximity on constantly occupied, well-lighted Church grounds assures optimum security.

Convenience

With your final resting place only a few feet away from the Church, your family and friends attending Mass will not have the inconvenience of driving to another location for an occasional visit to pay their respects.