May I attend a non-Catholic funeral when the ashes will be scattered?

[SecretaryMonday]

I looked in the “Ask An Apologist” section and found nothing that addressed the specific question. My uncle passed away and his wife plans to have him cremated and dump the ashes in a creek. Do I attend the “funeral”? As a Catholic, am I under any kind of obligation to NOT attend? Thanks!

 

[JackieMom]

I looked in the “Ask An Apologist” section and found nothing that addressed the specific question. My uncle passed away and his wife plans to have him cremated and dump the ashes in a creek. Do I attend the “funeral”? As a Catholic, am I under any kind of obligation to NOT attend? Thanks!

I would think you should attend the memorial service honoring his life, but avoid the event where his remains will be scattered.

 

[PatriceA]

I would think you should attend the memorial service honoring his life, but avoid the event where his remains will be scattered.

This. Pay your respects, and then excuse yourself from the situation at the creek.

 

[SecretaryMonday]

That’s what I’ll do…the service is in another state and I was thinking about not riding down with my parents if all I was going to do was pop in for a “viewing” (not that there’s anything to view) and then insult the family by not attending the creek thing, but apparently there are other family members who are also going to opt out, so it won’t be as big of a deal.