Burial and Cremation

Laying your baby's remains to rest is a privilege that every parent should be able to access.

Particularly for those whose parenting is cut short by the loss of their unborn baby, this act of love helps Mom and Dad parent in the way that they are able to - assisting in providing a proper burial or cremation at a time when they may otherwise feel helpless.

Our Catholic church encourages burial or cremation for other reasons, including:

• Confirming Existence. We believe a person's body and soul are one from the moment of conception. Your child was made by God and deserves a proper burial. Acknowledging his or her life is the first step to gaining peace

• Help Grieving. Before peace comes sorrow. When someone dies, the rites and rituals used to lay the body to rest not only honor the dead; they also allow the stages of grief to begin.

• Enable Healing. Many grief experts agree: a burial service provides healing. We also know from experience that having a specific location to visit - a burial site, cremation garden or special place to remember - is extremely helpful in the weeks, months and years that follow the loss of a child.

• Make Your Wishes Known to Your Healthcare Provider
• Parish Resources for Catholic Burial (funeral homes, cemeteries, committal services)
• Catholic Videos on Pregnancy Loss
• Resources for Pregnancy and Infant Loss
• Suggested Reading Resources