Can cremated remains be present for a funeral mass?
When cremation has taken place in advance of any liturgy, cremated remains can be present at the Funeral Mass. There are special prayers for this option and it is preferred to a Memorial Mass without either the body or the cremated remains present. Another choice is to have the body present for the Vigil, taken to the church for the Funeral Mass, and then cremated. When financial considerations are dominant, a simple closed casket can be chosen with a brief time for the Vigil. Once the cremated remains have been returned, a Committal Service is scheduled.
