Cremation ConcernsThe modern practice of cremation dates back to the middle of the 19th century. Yet, throughout history, many cultures have chosen cremation as a method of caring for the dead. In fact, cremation is still a time honored tradition in many European and Asian countries. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and Canada. More people are choosing cremation today, simply as a matter of personal preference and perhaps simply for financial reasons. Our sincere desire is to help you understand the choices and identify your preferences, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
For cremation a few of the choices you will need to consider are, whether or not you want to have a viewing (a viewing may require embalming and a casket), whether you want a casket or an alternative container for the actual cremation and details about the disposition of the cremated remains. See note below.
If you choose cremation there will be a crematory charge, which is not included in the funeral home's fee. You will need to choose two containers. One container is for the actual cremation...this can be anything from a low cost alternative container to a top-of-the line casket, depending on the crematory's requirements and your budget. The second container will contain the cremated remains, the "ashes."
Some people want direct cremation, which is cremation of the decedent's body without a viewing or other ceremony at which the body is present. If you choose direct cremation, and because any container you choose will be destroyed during the cremation, you will probably want either an inexpensive alternative container or an unfinished wood box. An alternative container is an enclosure used to transport the decedent's body to the crematory and during the cremation process. These containers are often made of chip board or corrugated cardboard.
The second container you need to consider is for the final disposition of the cremated remains, often called "ashes". Final disposition could be the permanent placement of the cremated remains in an urn or other container to take home or to place in a columbarium or to bury in a cemetery. Or, if the cremated remains are to be scattered, you may choose to use the temporary container that will be furnished by the crematory. See note below.
Why are more and more people choosing cremation?
There are many factors, including:
financial considerations
perception of simplicity and convenience
transportation issues - death away from "home"
personal or spiritual philosophy - greater acceptance now among many religions and cultures See note below.
environmental philosophy
Cremation is a centuries-old funeral rite which is growing in preference. It's the method of preference in Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Scandinavia, and other regions.
When choosing cremation as a part of your pre-planned arrangements, important considerations should be given to a few specific issues that are discussed here.How are cremation services different from regular burial services?
They're not! Services with cremation are the same as with earth burial, unless you prefer something different. It's your choice to make.
Whatever you choose--burial or cremation--family and friends need time to grieve and to say good-bye. This is the reason for funeral services--to support the living through loss to acceptance and resolution.
Cremation and burial offer the same services, including a time of ceremony: music, prayers, and remembrances of your choice and you can have viewing for as long or as short a period as you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation
How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?
It isn't. At least it doesn't have to be different. The extent and content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family. You may choose as much or as little formality as you feel you want to have. Often a memorial service is held after cremation has occurred and the family can gather at a convenient time for the final committal of the cremated remains.Is a casket required for cremation?
No, although all local crematories require that the body at least be enclosed and in an acceptably rigid container and this container must be strong enough to assure the protection of the funeral home staff and the crematory operator. It should provide a proper covering for the body and meet reasonable standards of respect and dignity. Some crematories will accept metal caskets, but prefer that the container be made of a combustible material. The body is cremated in the same enclosure in which it taken to the crematory.
The Ocean Grove Memorial Home offers the use of a wood or a metal casket for rent during calling hours and the funeral ceremony if you don't want to purchase a casket for cremation.
How is cremation accomplished?
The enclosed body is placed in the cremation chamber, where through heat and evaporation it is reduced to its basic elements. These elements (ashes) are referred to as cremated remains. It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result, since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ash--they are, in fact, bone fragments. After preparation, these elements are either placed in a permanent memorial urn or in a temporary container that's suitable for transport.
Depending upon the size of the body, there are normally three to nine pounds of fragments. Crematories further process the cremated remains, reducing the space they require.Isn't cremation an end in itself?
No. Some people may regard it as such, but most families feel that the cremated remains should be afforded a resting place (that can be identified). This is the final disposition and can be in any appropriate location, most commonly, in a cemetery. Most families find that a memorial (such as a granite marker or a bronze plaque), regardless of size, serves a basic human need to remember and be remembered.What choices for memorialization are available with cremation?
A final resting place for cremated remains can be provided by various means. You may choose from a full selection of urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urns may be placed in a columbarium, which is a building or structure where single niche spaces or family units may be selected. Niches are recessed compartments enclosed by either glass or ornamental fronts upon which the name and dates are featured.
Of course, family cemetery lots may be used, and cemeteries often permit the interment of more than one person in an adult space if cremation has occurred. In many cemeteries, there are also areas specifically designed for this purpose, which are sometimes called urn gardens.What about scattering cremated remains?
Scattering may be legally done in most areas, but many believe that in consideration of the descendants, some form of memorialization should be provided. Furthermore, scattering may be a very traumatic experience...it can be soul-shaking to spill out all that is mortal of someone you have known and loved. One should realize how much is being asked of the person who is to do the scattering. See note below.
Some crematories provide scattering gardens within their dedicated property, often with the option of personal memorials. The use of dedicated property assures the site chosen will not be developed for some other use at some future time.How does the cost of cremation differ from burial or entombment?
The basic charge for just cremation is substantially less than traditional burial. However, with so many items of service available to the family both in the funeral service before and in the mode of final disposition, it's not possible to make an accurate comparison here. The family has the option to select as much or as little as they choose, and with cremation they have many options.Is a funeral director necessary with cremation?
Yes, as New Jersey requires a licensed person to make at death arrangements transport the body to the place of final disposition and to obtain the necessary permits. Funeral directors the only ones permitted to do so in New Jersey. Normally, the funeral director performs the same professional functions regarding cremations as for burials.Is embalming necessary with cremation?
No, but the factors of time, health, possible legal regulations and religious beliefs might make embalming prior to cremation either appropriate or necessary.How does the Roman Catholic Church view cremation?
"Catholics and Cremation"
from
www.njcatholiccemeteries.orgPractice of Cremation
In 1963, the Catholic Church lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. The permission was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon #1176), as well as into the Order of Christian Funerals.
“The Church strongly prefers cremation to take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body [present]. The presence of the body most clearly brings to mind the life and death of the person and better expresses the values that the Church affirms in its rites”(Church and Cremation, para.3).
“The body forcefully brings to mind our belief that our human bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. When the rites of the Order of Christian Funerals are fully celebrated they ritualize the journey from life through death to the fullness of God” (OCF 412).Disposition and Memorialization of Cremated Remains
“The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and their final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed [inurned] in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or a friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. Whenever possible, appropriate means for memorializing the deceased should be utilized, such as a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased” (OCF 426).
Arrangements should be made with the family of the deceased or funeral director and cemetery for proper handling of the cremated remains. The cremains should be treated with respect when handled, transported and finally put to rest.Cremation Requirements [Burial or Inurnment Requirements]
* Original “Certificate of Right of Interment/Entombment” [the deed] must be presented to cemetery. If lost or misplaced, a notarized affidavit must be signed by original owner or ALL SURVIVING HEIRS, if the owner is deceased.
* Original crematory slip.
* Signed Archdiocesan authorization from original owner or all surviving heirs
* Check for current opening fee; MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
* All paperwork must be sent and approved by the cemetery office, prior to cremains being [transported] to cemetery. Any cremains sent without prior approval will be refused and returned.
* Twelve working hours are required to open a grave for cremains.
* If a priest is requested to be present at the time of interment it is up to the funeral director or family to make the arrangements.
* Cremains do not need to be placed in an additional container. Should [the family] choose to do so, the cemetery must be informed as to the size of the container.
* Please keep in mind, the family placing the order is taking the responsibility of a funeral director and will have the gravesite service conducted in a timely fashion, as are all funerals.
The Process of Cremation
The information in this article is intended to help you more fully understand what occurs in the cremation process. The steps described below are detailed and should be carefully considered. This article has been prepared on a general informational basis.
Before Cremation Takes Place
Before cremation takes place, any scheduled ceremonies, rites or viewings must have been completed. All authorization forms and permits must be completed and signed.
The funeral director should be made aware if the decedent has a pacemaker, prosthesis, or any other mechanical or radioactive devices or implants, as they must to be removed prior to cremation. If such devices or implants should have been removed and were not, then the person(s) authorizing the cremation will be responsible for any damages caused to the crematory or crematory personnel by such devices or implants. The funeral director should also be made aware if the decedent was recently treated with any radioactive medication.
All personal possessions or valuable materials, such as jewelry (if so desired) should be removed prior to the time the decedent is transported to the crematory. Due to the nature of the cremation process, any materials not removed from the container prior to cremation will be destroyed.
Most crematories require the body to be cremated in a combustible, leak-proof, rigid, covered container, if a casket is not being used.
Non-combustible materials on caskets, such as decorative handles or rails, latches, etc., which could cause damage to the cremation equipment, may be removed prior to the cremation and disposed of by the crematory. If a metal casket is used, the remnants of the metal casket shell will be disposed of by the crematory following the cremation.
In New Jersey, there is a waiting period of 24 hours from the time of death before the human remains may be cremated.
The crematory must be notified if anyone wishes to witness the container being placed in the cremation chamber.
The crematory should be provided with an urn in which the cremated remains will be placed. If no urn is provided, the crematory will place the cremated remains in a container made of plastic until an urn is acquired or the cremated remains are buried or scattered.The Cremation Process
All cremations are performed individually. Exceptions can be made only in the case of close relatives, and then only with the prior written instructions of the authorizing agent(s).
The cremation process begins with the placement of the casket or container holding the body to be cremated in the cremation chamber where it's subjected to intense heat reaching temperatures between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees fahrenheit. All substances are consumed except bone fragments (calcium compounds) and some non-combustible materials, such as some jewelry, prosthesies, latches, hinges, etc., that were not removed prior to cremation as the temperature is not sufficient to consume them.
The time for cremation to be completed varies with the size and weight of each human remains, but usually takes between 1 1/2 and 3 hours.
Following a cooling period, the cremated remains are then raked and swept from the cremation chamber. Every effort is made to remove all human remains. However, because of the ash-like consistancy, a small residue my remain in the cremation chamber, resulting in incidental commingling with other cremated remains.
After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials will be separated and removed from the bone fragments by visible or magnetic selection and will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner.
Once the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they may be further processed to reduce the size of the fragments to uniform particles.
Cremated remains, depending on the bone structure of the decedent, will weigh between three and nine pounds, and are usually white to grey in color, but can be other colors due to temperature variations and other factors.
The crematory should be provided with an urn in which the cremated remains will be placed. If no urn is provided or the urn is not large enough to hold all the remains, the crematory will place the remains or any excess in a container made of plastic to hold the remains until an urn is acquired or the cremated remains are scattered.After the Cremation Has Been Completed
The urn or the temporary container containing the cremated remains will be returned to the funeral home you have designated on the cremation authorization form.
If you and/or other family members have not already decided on the final resting place for the cremated remains, you may wish to consult the funeral director. Such options include:
placement of the urn containing the cremated remains in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium
burial of the urn containing the cremated remains in a family burial plot or in a special urn garden that many cemeteries provide for cremated remains. You may want to provide a concrete urn-vault to contain the memorial urn in the ground
scattering of the cremated remains in a cemetery garden especially created and dedicated for this purpose or scattering the remains at sea or on land
the urn may be taken home, but plans should be made for an eventual permanent disposition.
If scattering is done, you may wish to choose a site for a permanent memorial, such as placing the name of the decedent in a Book of Remembrance or on a plaque at a special location, or planting a tree.
