Leanne Smith Civil Marriage Celebrant
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A Funeral- a life celebrated
When I was first asked to
conduct a funeral ceremony I started by thinking back to the funerals I had
attended in the past. I realised often I felt afterwards that the deceased
person had not been honoured as I might have hoped, that the tribute had not always
been a personal reflection of a life of which I had been some (often
small) part. What could be done differently? What was
missing? In discussion with friends (and some just won’t talk about death and funerals) it became clear that sometimes people would welcome a ceremony choice that was more a reflection of an individual, rather than a reflection of a particular church’s beliefs.
A civil, or non religious funeral ceremony may help a grieving family to reflect on the life and achievements of their loved one, without the added stress of being in an unfamiliar environment if they are not regular church goers, or if the deceased did not attend a church regularly.
It also provides the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one with a more personal and meaningful ceremony. I regard it as a privilege to be asked to assist at such a difficult time, when decisions have to be made quickly, differences of opinion may arise and often the family is numb with shock.
It is important for a grieving family to be able to express their love and feelings of loss in their own way. The funeral ceremony should be personal. It should reflect as far as possible the personality, the likes and dislikes, achievements and talents of the deceased person.
The family can be encouraged to realise there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to grieve for their loved one- only what feels appropriate for them. With good support from a celebrant, the family can shape a ceremony which is dignified, personally meaningful to them and which will help commemorate their loved one and aid in the grieving process.
A civil, or non religious funeral ceremony may help a grieving family to reflect on the life and achievements of their loved one, without the added stress of being in an unfamiliar environment if they are not regular church goers, or if the deceased did not attend a church regularly.
It also provides the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one with a more personal and meaningful ceremony. I regard it as a privilege to be asked to assist at such a difficult time, when decisions have to be made quickly, differences of opinion may arise and often the family is numb with shock.
It is important for a grieving family to be able to express their love and feelings of loss in their own way. The funeral ceremony should be personal. It should reflect as far as possible the personality, the likes and dislikes, achievements and talents of the deceased person.
The family can be encouraged to realise there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to grieve for their loved one- only what feels appropriate for them. With good support from a celebrant, the family can shape a ceremony which is dignified, personally meaningful to them and which will help commemorate their loved one and aid in the grieving process.
P 0419 394844
M PO BOX 1655 Yeppoon Q 4703
M PO BOX 1655 Yeppoon Q 4703
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