Expert: Edward Bode - 6/13/2009

Question
My dad a non catholic was cremated and his wishes were for his ashes to be scattered by airplane over his favorite place. Since his death 15 years ago I have recently converted to the Catholicism. Would my participation in the distribution of his ashes go against church teaching? Since he was non Catholic and I am Catholic

Answer
I think that you are saying that you carried out the scattering of your father's ashes many years before you became a Catholic. If that is what you are saying, I would not think that at that time you thought of your action as something wrong.
The current practice of the Church is that cremated remains are to be placed in a vessel.  Many Catholic cemeteries have a special place for cremated remains. Scattering is not allowable.  The usual practice is for burial of a body.  
You might chat with your local priest.  He is in a better position than I to explain.
Best wishes, Daniel.