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Pastoral Resources for Those Suffering After Miscarriage(s) Infertility & Infant Loss

For those who are suffering the cross of infertility and miscarriage, you are not alone. Below is a list of resources to support you and your family during your most difficult days.  

"If a family is centered on Christ, he will unify and illumine its entire life. Moments of pain and difficulty will be experienced in union with the Lord's cross, and his closeness will make it possible to surmount them." -Pope Francis.


Funeral and Burial Resources

For questions regarding infant burials, contact the Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life at 703-841-2550 or visit A Mom's Peace

 
Virtual Garden of Remembrance: Remembering Your Child by Name

Add your child's name to a virtual garden of remembrance: A Mom's Peace

 
Articles:

Do Miscarried Children Go To Heaven?  https://www.catholicherald.com/faith/your_faith/do_miscarried_children_go_to_heaven_/  “God has bound salvation to the sacarament of Baptism, but He Himself is not bound by His sacraments” (emphasis original; cf. no. 1261).

 
Novena

Sign up for the annual novena led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for those suffering with infertility, miscarriage and infant loss 

 
National Resources for Rites and Rituals of Remembrance

Book of Blessings: Order for Blessing of Parents After a Miscarriage

Diocese of St. Louis Rite for Naming and Commendation of an Infant Who Died Before Birth

EWTN Resource for Blessing of Parents After a Miscarriage


Mentor Support

Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life - Gabriel Project Parish based Angel/Mentor Support call 703-851-2550.

 

Workshop on Infertility, Miscarriage, and Infant Loss

Workshop on Infertility, Miscarriage, and Infant Loss

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What does one do with the remains of a miscarried child?

In many instances of miscarriage, there no remains of the child readily available. In such cases, parents may then want to ask their pastor about the appropriate liturgical rites available to them (see "Rites and Commendations" for more information).

However, in the event that remains are available, it is recommended that the remains are kept cold in a suitable container until the day of burial. The parents may ask the doctor or hospital for the remains if they are not offered by the medical institution. Unfortunately, some medical institutions may not allow the remains to be given directly to the parents, but may insist on releasing the child to a funeral home.

If parents choose to retain the remains of their miscarried child, it is important to consider any additional costs if a funeral home is involved.

Parents are encouraged to contact their pastor for arrangement of the appropriate commendation rite and burial arrangements.

What about cremation?

The church permits cremation as long as it is not a statement of the denial in the resurrection of the body (Catechism of the Catholic Church § 2301). Cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity as a deceased body. In other words, cremated remains should have their final resting place in a grave or columbarium.

Where should remains be buried?

The remains, whether or not they are cremated, should be interred in a grave or columbarium. It is strongly advised that the remains be placed in a cemetery so that the dignity of the burial site can be properly protected.