Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide

View Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide.

Note for Catholics:
Two items included in the Consumer Information Guide are not in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are alkaline hydrolysis and the scattering of cremated remains.

Alkaline hydrolysis
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops discourages the practice of alkaline hydrolysis, as it “does not manifest adequate respect for the dignity of the human body as proclaimed by the faith of the Church.”

Scattering of cremated remains
According to Church teachings, scattering cremated remains on the sea, in the air, on the ground, or keeping them in the homes of relatives does not display appropriate reverence for the remains of the body, which was the temple of the Holy Spirit (cf. Ad resurgendum cum Christo). When for legitimate reasons, cremation has been chosen, the cremated remains of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is, in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area set aside for this purpose, and so dedicated by a bishop.