Hi, Lydia —

Catholics may donate their organs as well as their pianos, guitars, and trumpets  : )

Sorry I couldn't resist the bad pun, but, Yes, it is considered an act of charity to donate one's organs.

Nevertheless, there is a certain amount of dignity that we must reserve for the body of the deceased, so while the organs can be donated, the body should still receive a funeral Mass, and the remains that are not donated, should be treated with proper reverence.

That would mean a proper burial or cremation (without the ashes being scattered).

John

Lydia —

We are allowed to donate organs while living, if the donation does not do us serious harm.

For instance, one can donate a kidney:

• assuming one's other kidney is healthy
• assuming that the recipient will get a true and lasting benefit, and
• assuming that one's state in life permits it.
  (e.g. a young wife and mother probably ought not to make such a donation.)

Mary Ann