If you’ve ever wondered what to do with a loved one’s ashes… or if your family has made some burial decisions that you’re not quite sure about, this conversation between Drew Mariani and Catholic bioethics expert Fr. Tad Pacholczyk is well worth your time.
You can listen to the entire conversation here!
They talk about how the Church views the body after death, and why burial (especially in blessed ground), still matters so much, even today.
Drew starts by mentioning that more and more states are legalizing human composting: basically, turning the body into soil using organic processes. Some folks see this as an environmentally friendly option.
But Fr. Tad explains that, as Catholics, we believe the body is more than just physical matter. It’s part of who we are, and it’s destined for resurrection. That means we’re called to treat it with real reverence, even after death. Methods like composting send the wrong message about the body’s dignity and the hope we have in eternal life.
Cremation: Allowed, But with Reverence
Yes, cremation is permitted… and that sometimes surprises people. But the Church asks us to approach it thoughtfully:
-If possible, have the funeral Mass with the body present, before cremation. It’s a powerful way to pray for the person and honor them in their full human dignity.
-After cremation, the ashes should be buried in a cemetery or columbarium.
It’s not okay to scatter the ashes, split them among family members, or keep them at home. Even if those things are done with love, they don’t reflect the full respect the Church believes the body deserves.
🪦 Why Burial in Blessed Ground Matters
Fr. Tad shared that the Church encourages burial in hallowed or consecrated ground: places that are set apart for this sacred purpose.
It gives families a physical place to visit, to pray, and to remember.
It’s also a public witness to our belief in the Resurrection of the Body. We know that death isn’t the end; the person’s body matters, even after their soul has gone to God.
As human beings, we naturally feel that treating a body carelessly is wrong… and that instinct lines up perfectly with the Church’s teaching.
💬 When You’re Only Holding Part of the Ashes…
One caller, Sarah, shared her story. She’s a recent Catholic convert, and she’s been holding onto small portions of her grandparents’ ashes given to her during a non-Catholic memorial.
Fr. Tad was incredibly kind and pastoral in his advice. He said she should try to talk to the family about reuniting the ashes and burying them in a proper resting place. If others aren’t open to that, Sarah could still bury the portion she has…ideally in a cemetery, or even in an existing family plot if one is available.
He stressed that it’s about doing what you can with what you’ve been given and choosing the most respectful and faith-filled option available.
📲 A Simple Tool to Help You Plan Ahead
Drew mentioned Catholic Legacy, a free tool from Relevant Radio to help Catholics plan for end-of-life decisions:
-Choose your funeral preferences
-Make sure your burial reflects your faith
-Even create a will and medical directives
It’s a way to take the guesswork off your loved ones and give them peace of mind… while making sure your final wishes are rooted in the values you believe in.
💭 Final Thought
As Fr. Tad shared, “We show what we believe in how we act. That includes how we treat the dead.”
So, whether you’re navigating this right now or just trying to plan ahead… this conversation is full of grace, clarity, and peace.
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