Religious and non religious funerals…
Religious Funerals
A funeral is used to mark the end of a person’s life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God’s keeping. These can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church or crematorium chapel.
Everyone is entitled to a parish funeral service led by their local parish vicar / priest regardless of whether they attended church or not. Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving. Perhaps you already know something of what your loved one wanted. You may even have planned the service together some time ago.
If you are uncertain the minister who will lead the service can help you choose suitable readings, hymns and prayers. If they did not know your loved one well, they will want to talk with you to build up a picture of the person’s life, this may take only one meeting but sometimes it can be more.
Some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing or unexpected. The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths. Talk with your minister about what is possible.
Humanist Funerals
A HUMANIST FUNERAL is essentially a non-religious funeral ceremony, the purpose and tone of which is to recall and celebrate the life of the deceased. The content of the service is entirely about the life that has come to an end, and the tone is usually very personal, In recent years it has become the popular choice for people who are not religious.
EACH HUMANIST FUNERAL IS UNIQUE. All officiants are trained and licensed by The British Humanist Association and visit the family so that they can learn as much as possible about the life that is being celebrated. Occasionally, when for example the family live outside Birmingham, information can be obtained through phone and email.
Once written a draft of the funeral is presented to the family for approval.
A Humanist Funeral might follow a structure like this.
The congregation enter the chapel to a piece of music chosen by the family.
Words of Welcome during which it is explained to the congregation that the service is to be a very personal service of farewell rather than a religious one, and everyone, whatever their personal beliefs, is made welcome
The Personal Tribute which accounts for the major part of the ceremony in in which the life and personality of the deceased is recalled and celebrated. This may include readings of prose or poetry.
A Period Of Reflection when a few moments are put aside to remember and reflect upon the deceased. Some families prefer this to be a time of silence; others prefer a suitable piece of music to be played.
The Committal the point in the service when the curtains are closed. As this happens the officiants speaks some Words of Farewell.
Closing Words, when on behalf of the family the congregation are thanked for attending. Any other messages of gratitude such as to medical teams, or anyone who has given special help, can also be given. It also the time when, if wished, the congregation can be invited to join the family afterwards or information regarding any memorial donations can be passed on.
A final piece of music chosen by the family plays as the congregation leave the chapel.
Civil Ceremony
The Tribute
The most valuable element of the Civil Funeral Ceremony is a carefully scripted tribute written about the character and life of the person by the Civil Funeral Celebrant with the help of family and friends. This personal tribute is a celebration of the person’s life, recounting their experiences, attributes and qualities.
Every effort is made to capture the very essence of the deceased and their lasting spirit. The tribute, which can be delivered by the Funeral Celebrant, a family member or friend, forms a part of the whole ceremony that the Celebrant creates in partnership with the family.Each ceremony is completely unique to the deceased and a copy of the whole text is provided so that the ceremony can be followed easily.
How is a Ceremony Created?
The Civil Funeral Ceremony is an all-embracing framework providing the freedom to make a range of choices about the content and style of the Ceremony. In short, a Ceremony unique to the deceased is created: a tribute to, and a celebration of, their life.
Choices are made from the wide selection of poems and readings available. Additional pieces that hold special meaning and significance for the deceased can be included.
The Civil Funeral Celebrant will offer help and advice on all the options available and in deciding how the selections should be arranged and presented. Family members and friends may also be included in the ceremony as well as any music that is appropriate.
The Civil Funeral Ceremony is designed and conducted in such a way as to reflect the express wishes of the deceased and that of the family.
