Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide

View Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide.

Note for Catholics:
Two items included in the Consumer Information Guide are not in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church. They are alkaline hydrolysis and the scattering of cremated remains.

Alkaline hydrolysis
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops discourages the practice of alkaline hydrolysis, as it “does not manifest adequate respect for the dignity of the human body as proclaimed by the faith of the Church.”

Scattering of cremated remains
According to Church teachings, scattering cremated remains on the sea, in the air, on the ground, or keeping them in the homes of relatives does not display appropriate reverence for the remains of the body, which was the temple of the Holy Spirit (cf. Ad resurgendum cum Christo). When for legitimate reasons, cremation has been chosen, the cremated remains of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is, in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area set aside for this purpose, and so dedicated by a bishop.

Protecting Families from Pirated Obituaries
Please be aware that some third-party websites copy and repost obituaries without the permission of families or funeral homes. These unauthorized sites often sell memorial products—like candles or trees—misleading people into thinking they are supporting the family.

To ensure authenticity:

• Only trust obituaries on websites of The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) licensed funeral establishments
• Contact us directly if you’re unsure about an obituary’s source
• Report concerns to the BAO at Licensing@TheBAO.ca