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Cremation FAQ's

What do I do with the ashes after the cremation?

This is a personal choice, but memorialisation is an important part of the grieving process and provides a connection for friends and family as well as for future generations. Memorialisation can include a niche wall or garden or placement within a family grave. Some families choose to divide the ashes to keep at home as well as creating a permanent tribute at the cemetery.

Is cremation more expensive than burial?

Cremation is cheaper than burial, and we offer the most affordable cremation services in Sydney. Memorialisation is an additional cost but there are many personal options available for different budgets.

Does the cremation take place immediately after the service?

The cremation will follow as soon as is practicably possible, (by law, the cremation must take place within 48 hours.)

Are there facilities available at the cemetery to meet after the service?

The Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel and Crematorium has an adjoining condolence lounge specially designed to enable both small and large groups to gather. There is also a smaller lounge at the Sacred Heart Chapel for more intimate gatherings.  From refreshments to full service catering can be arranged. Liverpool Cemetery also has chapel and condolence lounges to follow a cremation service.

Can Catholics be cremated?

Yes, cremation has been acceptable since 1963, and we should respect the remains in the same way we do burial.  Families have the option of celebrating the Eucharist or simply a funeral liturgy within our Catholic Chapels. Others may prefer to celebrate mass in their local parish church, and conduct the cremation at the crematorium.

I am not Catholic, can I still use the services of Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria?

Yes, Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria is open to the Christian community and we can assist you with finding a clergy to conduct your service if required.

My partner and I have different preference between burial and cremation, can we still be together?

The ashes of one partner can be interred in the grave of the person preferring burial, and both can be memorialised at the grave.

How do I know I have the right cremated remains?

The coffin is identified with a label which follows the coffin throughout the entire procedure. Only one cremation is ever carried out in a chamber at one time and the remains are withdrawn from the chamber before it can be used again.

Is the coffin cremated with the body and is there more than one coffin cremated at one time?

The coffin is cremated with the body and the size of the cremator does not permit more than one coffin to be cremated at any given time.

How long after cremation do I have to wait to pick up the cremated remains?

Generally they are available with 24 hrs of the cremation taking place.

What does Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria recommend for the final memorial of cremated remains?

The Catholic Church believe cremated remains should be treated with the same respect with which we treat the body, so cremated remains should be placed in a family grave, crypt, niche wall or cemetery garden and memorialised by a headstone or plaque.

Is it true that pacemakers or radioactive implants must be removed before cremation?

Yes, these implants can explode at high temperatures, not only causing damage to the cremator, but also placing crematorium staff at risk.

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