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Bereavement is a
very difficult time and On Call priests are willing to assist in
whatever way they can on request if:-
(1) priests or
ministers from local churches are unavailable, or
(2) there is no
existing connection with any church or Christian group, or
(3) there is a
request for a non-denominational Christian funeral service.
Apart from
supporting the family in their time of bereavement, On Call priests
will help plan a funeral service that is appropriate.
It is worth noting
that there is no requirement to use a formal or
'traditional' funeral service.
A traditional
funeral service usually takes the following form:-
The
Gathering:
The coffin may be
received at the door by the minister.
Sentences of
Scripture may be used.
The priest or
minister welcomes the people and introduces the service.
A tribute or
tributes may be made.
Prayers of
penitence may be used.
The Collect may be
said here or in the Prayers.
Readings
and words from the
priest/minister:
One or more
readings from the Bible is used.
Psalms or hymns
may follow the readings.
The
priest/minister may say a few words.
Prayers:
Prayers usually
follow this sequence:
(a) thanksgiving
for the life of the departed
(b) prayer for
those who mourn
(c) prayers of
penitence (if not they have not already been said)
(d) prayer for
readiness to live in the light of eternity
Commendation
and Farewell:
The dead person is
commended to God.
The
Committal:
The body is
committed to its resting place.
The
Dismissal
The service ends
with a blessing.
Whilst this is a
generally accepted format, it is not always appropriate for the needs
of the family or would necessarily be in keeping with the personal
beliefs of the deceased. As has already been stated, there is no
requirement to follow this pattern, it is a matter of what is
appropriate, changes can be made.
An On Call priest
will take account of family feelings and put together a balanced and
appropriate service which reflects both the wishes of the family and
those of the deceased as far as is discernable.
A funeral can be
difficult and many people feel funerals are to be endured rather than
appreciated. It is an important moment of time, a time of 'letting
go' and a time of remembering with appreciation the life that has ended.
This moment will
be coloured with grief but it genuinely should also be a thanksgiving
for and celebration of the life of someone who had a very important
and influential part to play in the lives of other people. On Call
will help make this a reality.
'A
funeral service can be a celebration of life, giving thanks for life
and love and an opportunity to remember the happy times, helping
loved ones continue with their lives' (Bishop Michael, O.O.C.C.)
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