Funeral Ceremony Purpose

Rituals are symbolic activities that help us, together with our families and friends, express our deepest thoughts and feelings about life’s most important events.

The funeral ritual is a public, traditional and symbolic means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone loved.  

Rich in history and rife with symbolism, the funeral ceremony helps us acknowledge the reality of the death, gives testimony to the life of the deceased, encourages the expression of grief in a way consistent with the culture’s values, provides support to mourners, allows for the embracing of faith and beliefs about life and death, and offers continuity and hope for the living.

Outline of the Structure of the Ceremony

  • Introduction and Welcome to family and friends. After discussions with you, I talk about the life of the loved one – what this ceremony means to you and your family.

  • Reading – you may wish to use poems or readings at this time. Usually, a family member or friend is asked to participate in this section.

  • Optional Ritual Section – you may wish to organize a slide show for example. We can discuss this and agree.

  • Conclusion, Summing up or Blessing – I will conclude the ceremony and announce any further details you wish your guests to know.

Things I need to know about you and your loved one.

 

1.  Where was your loved one born?
2.  How old is your loved one?
3.  What line of work did they participate in?
4.  What were some of the achievements of this person you would like to share?
5.  Who else will be participating in the ceremony? And why? What will their role be? 
6.  Do you have any stories about your relationship that you will be sharing?
7.  What is something that you might like to share with the guests that they may not know about your loved one?
8.  Did you want to include any rituals?  If so, what are your thoughts?