Many Catholics wonder if they can have a burial at sea. This article will examine whether it is allowed according to Catholic Church teachings and traditions.
What does the Catholic Church say about burial at sea?
The Catholic Church does not forbid burial at sea. However, it prefers traditional burials in cemeteries as the norm. The Church teaches that the bodies of the deceased must be treated with respect in faith of the resurrection. Burial at sea is permitted in some circumstances.
According to the Code of Canon Law 1176 §3, the bodies of the faithful must be buried. Cremation is permitted if not chosen for reasons against Christian teaching. The funeral rites of the Church must still be observed if cremation occurs.
Canon law also states in 1177 that the Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the deceased be observed. However, it does not forbid cremation unless it is chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine.
Vatican guidelines on burial at sea
In 1963, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued instructions regarding burial at sea in the document Piam et Constantem. The document allows burial at sea in certain circumstances:
- When it is the only feasible way to bury someone who died at sea.
- When it is the choice of the deceased or family to be buried at sea for hygienic, economic, or other justified motives.
- When it is not possible to transport a body to land within a reasonable time frame.
The Vatican guidelines state that remains should be encased in a receptacle that will both transport the body to the ocean floor and not float later as decomposition occurs. The receptacle should also be weighted to sink rapidly.
Prayers commending the deceased to God should accompany the burial rite. If possible, the committal prayers should occur before the remains enter the sea.
Requirements for burial at sea
For a Catholic burial at sea to occur appropriately, certain requirements must be met:
- The deceased or family should request burial at sea, or circumstances necessitate it.
- Civil maritime laws regarding burial at sea should be followed.
- The remains should be properly encased to sink and stay at the ocean floor.
- Prayers commending the deceased to God should occur if possible.
- The burial should occur in “appropriate waters” based on distance to land.
By following these guidelines, Catholics can fulfill the Church’s preference for burial while respecting the wishes of the deceased if sea burial is requested.
What prayers and rites can be used?
The Catholic Church has official prayers and rites for burial at sea that meet the requirements of Canon Law and the Vatican guidelines.
Committal prayers
The Order of Christian Funerals has a complete committal rite for burial at sea. It includes scripture readings, intercessory prayers, the Lord’s Prayer, a final commendation, and a farewell incorporation of the remains into the sea.
If the full rite cannot be performed on a ship before committal, it suggests at minimum:
- Invitation to prayer
- Scripture verse
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Prayer of committal
- Prayer for deceased
- Farewell
Scripture readings
Suggested Scripture passages for burial at sea:
- Romans 6:3-9 (baptism into Christ’s death)
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (all people risen in Christ)
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (hope of resurrection)
- Revelation 21:1-5 (vision of new heaven and earth)
Prayers for the deceased
Appropriate Catholic prayers for a burial at sea include:
- Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
- May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
- Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
The Divine Mercy chaplet is also appropriate. Other personal prayers for the deceased are acceptable.
Who can perform a burial at sea?
For a Catholic burial at sea to be valid in the Church:
- A priest should perform the committal rite if possible.
- If a priest is not available, a deacon or layperson may lead the rite.
- Family members may also lead prayers if clergy are unavailable.
The Church prefers an ordained minister for Catholic funerals. But it acknowledges that at sea, this may not be feasible. As long as the essential prayers and rituals occur, the burial can be valid.
Clergy responsibilities
If clergy performs a burial at sea, Canon Law 1184 states they should:
- Ensure the proper rites and prayers are followed.
- Avoid any financial gain from the rite.
- Register the burial in the parish records where the deceased belonged.
Even at sea, clergy must follow the Church’s liturgical norms and properly record the burial.
Lay Catholics’ role
If clergy are unavailable, lay Catholics can perform burial at sea prayers and rites:
- Family or friends can lead the committal service.
- They should use approved Catholic prayers and Scripture.
- The rite should follow Church norms as close as possible.
- They can contact clergy later to record it.
With good faith effort, Catholic laity can commit a loved one’s remains at sea in accordance with Church teaching.
Can you have a Catholic funeral service at sea?
A Catholic funeral normally has three stages:
- Vigil service (wake)
- Funeral Mass
- Rite of committal
For burial at sea:
- The vigil and funeral Mass should occur on land if possible.
- The committal rite occurs at sea during the burial.
Trying to hold the funeral Mass on a ship could be unsafe or distracting. The Mass is best performed in a church.
Funeral Mass issues at sea
Challenges performing a funeral Mass at sea:
- Hard to set up a sacred space on a ship
- Difficulty having Eucharist supplies like altar, bread, wine
- Sea motion may cause interruptions
- Restricted guest seating and access
For these reasons, the funeral Mass should occur on land before the sea burial.
Vigil service
The vigil service:
- Can be held on a ship the evening before a burial at sea
- Allows for scripture, eulogies, prayers for deceased
- Provides opportunity to gather in mourning
Though not ideal, a vigil service at sea can fulfill this funeral rite if necessary.
What are the laws about burial at sea?
Civil laws govern burial at sea in many countries. Catholics must follow these laws for sea burial:
United States
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates burial at sea. Key requirements:
- Burial must occur 3+ nautical miles from shore
- Remains must be prepared to sink rapidly and permanently
- Burial requires a permit from the EPA
European Union
EU regulations require:
- Burial 12+ nautical miles from shore
- reporting of the name of deceased, burial coordinates
- Proper preparation of remains in a casing
Australia
Australian federal law for burial at sea:
- Burial must be in water at least 3000 meters deep
- Remains must sink rapidly below the surface
- Reporting of burial location to government
Catholics must follow all civil burial at sea regulations in addition to Church requirements.
Can you scatter ashes at sea instead?
Catholics may wonder if scattering ashes at sea is more permissible than burial at sea. However, the Church has similar stances on both:
- Neither burial at sea or ash scattering are the preferred choice.
- Both are allowed in individual cases with appropriate reasons.
- If cremation occurs, the Church prefers burying ashes intact in a cemetery.
- Catholics should follow all Church and legal requirements for an ash scattering.
Overall, the Catholic Church would view ash scattering at sea as similar to burial at sea. Neither violates any doctrine but intact burial is ideal.
Vatican on scattering ashes
The Vatican’s 2016 guidelines on cremation state:
- Ashes should be kept intact in a sacred place like a cemetery.
- Ashes should not be divided up or spread somewhere meaningful.
- Local or civil laws on ash scattering should be followed.
The Church does not support scattering but allows it if done appropriately and legally.
Proper ash scattering
If ashes are scattered at sea, Catholics should:
- Say appropriate prayers commending the deceased to God.
- Follow relevant laws about distance from shore, depth, etc.
- Refrain from keeping or dividing up ashes as mementos.
- Have clergy register the scattering in parish records.
Sea scattering, though not ideal, can be acceptable if done prayerfully and properly.
Does a sea burial need reporting?
After a Catholic burial at sea occurs, it should be recorded in parish registers according to Canon Law 1182 §1. This requires reporting the burial to clergy.
Reporting burial at sea
To report a Catholic sea burial, notify the deceased’s proper parish providing:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and location of burial
- Name of clergy or Catholic who performed rite
- Any other pertinent details
The pastor should then properly record it in parish registers.
Importance of recording
Reporting and recording a burial at sea is important because:
- It allows the deceased’s parish community to be informed.
- It provides evidence the Church’s burial norms were followed.
- It may be needed for legal purposes regarding the deceased.
- It upholds the dignity and memory of the Catholic who was buried.
Even at sea, proper Catholic burial reporting should occur.
Who should report?
The responsibility to report a burial at sea falls to:
- The clergy who performed the rite
- If only laity present, the Catholic who led the committal
- If alone, the family members aware it occurred
Every effort should be made to inform clergy and properly record Catholic sea burials.
Does the type of vessel matter?
Catholics may wonder if certain types of vessels are required or preferred for burial at sea. However, Canon Law and Vatican guidelines do not specify details about the boat used.
Ship, boat, or yacht
Catholic burial at sea can occur appropriately on:
- Military or commercial naval ships
- Small powerboats or sailboats
- Privately owned boats or yachts
- Passenger cruise liners
- Any seaworthy vessel far from shore
The vessel choice does not impact the validity of a Catholic service.
Cremated remains only
For scattering ashes at sea, any small boat far from shore can work:
- Privately owned motorboat
- Chartered vessel
- Kayak or canoe paddled offshore
- Sailing ship or other boat
Only a receptacle of ashes is needed versus transporting a casket offshore.
Conclusion
In summary, the Catholic Church permits burial at sea if done prayerfully, appropriately, and in line with Canon Law. Catholics should follow all Church liturgical guidelines as close as possible for a sea burial or ash scattering. They must also adhere to any civil laws and regulations that apply in the location. Most importantly, they should honor the deceased with the reverence and sensitivity appropriate to Catholic funerals whether on land or at sea.