Q: My mother died unexpectedly in an assisted care facility outside of Toronto. My brother is making arrangements as best as he can. I'm in the United States and have been trying to locate a Czech Catholic priest in the Toronto or surrounding area. Also, does anyone know what the governmental policies are regarding sprinkling ashes in Ontario lakes or other bodies of water. I would really appreciate your help. Thank you.
A: For a Catholic Priest in Toronto who speaks Czech try: St. Wenceslaus Parish 496 Gladstone Avenue Toronto ON M6H 3H9 (416) 532-5272 Fax: (416) 516-5311 E-mail: lsvorcik@interlog.com Rev. Libor Svorcik, Administrator http://www.archtoronto.org/parishes/languages.html + Cremation + Catholics along with most Christians believe in the eventual resurrection of our bodies. Cremation has been looked at as a denial of this doctrine but modern teaching recognizes that God is all powerful and cremation is not really an issue to our bodily resurrections. The policy of the Catholic Church is: "While the Church recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed, cremation is permitted as long as it had not been chosen for reasons contrary to Church teaching. Cremated remains are to be treated with the same respect given to the remains of a human body, and should be buried or entombed. The scattering of cremated remains on the sea or on the ground, or keeping them in the home, is not the reverent final disposition that the Church requires. An interesting sidelight: Scientist says cremation contributes to global warming: http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Scientist_Says_Cremation_Should_Meet_A_Timely_Death_999.html For more information, see the Order of Christian Funerals: http://policy.archchicago.org/policies/bk4num700.pdf#search='Order%20of%20Christian%20Funerals' With love in Christ.