Components of a Memorial Service for Families/Role of Funeral Clergy or Celebrant

I first contact the bereaved beforehand to ensure their wishes in honoring the departed are honored accurately during the ceremony and eulogy. Getting stories of their life and memories along with surviving family members names is also very important to me. Often there is no music, depending on this aspect, songs or scripture is discussed prior to the ceremony with the family.

Order Of The Ceremony is as follows:

1. The introduction and opening words of greeting.
2. The opening prayer for the departed- Evolving Spirit.
3. The message of life and death.
4. Eulogy- written by me using insights and memories from the family.
5. Testimonials- I’ve already decided if anyone wishes to speak in honor of the departed, often there is no one in the family comfortable to perform this aspect of the ceremony. However, should this change at the last minute prior to the ceremony, I can easily adapt such changes to incorporate into the memorial and always encourage family members to decide what’s comfortable for them during a time of grief.
6. Candle lighting ritual (optional based on religious preference or, the desires of the family).
7. Music introduction (optional based upon where the ceremony takes place and, whether there is a violinist, harpist or pianist on hand at the event).
8. If there is not an internment, The Lords Prayer, based on religious preference- this can be altered to Interfaith or other religious preference or scripture.
9. Closing Prayers- Comfort for the Living.
10. Benediction and parting words of comfort.

Optional Revisions can include:

11. Internment
12. Scripture
13. Lords Prayer

My role as funeral or memorial clergy:
“We have come here today, family and friends, to remember and celebrate the life of ______, someone we have lives dearly and shall miss always. This gathering is an opportunity to day goodbye to the physical body that was ______ and to say hello to the spirit (he/she) continues to be. Sitting here listening to me speak to you about someone you love is and can be uncomfortable and a strange time to talk about someone whom you have loved and lost. However, in reality, it’s the perfect time, because for _______, this is a time of rejoicing. A cycle has been completed and a new series of cycles has begun. There is a time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which has been planted. When someone dies, one of the things that often runs through the minds of the surviving family and friends is the things you forgot to do or to say, perhaps things you needed or wanted to hear from the departed or other unfinished business. Now is the time for closure with ________ is here with us now as we gather, so let’s each close our eyes and silently take a moment to say goodbye to (him/her) in prayer. Let’s share with (him/her) the love we feel in our hearts and the sorrow of their passing. Let us also forgive ourselves for the things we may or may have not said to the departed, for in doing so, we allow ourselves to heal from any guilt or regrets we may be feeling at this time.”

Any component of this ceremony can be adjusted or altered to bring the surging family peace and comfort during a difficult time and should you need additional information or insight on memorial or funeral services, please use the contact us link and I will either email or call you to discuss additional options.