| What
is a Funeral Celebrant? |
|
A
Funeral Celebrant is a person who has been trained to provide
meaningful funerals which accurately
reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased. Although
many celebrants are either members of the clergy or licensed funeral
directors, creative, attentive, sensitive lay people are just as likely
to become Certified Funeral Celebrants.
Celebrants are able to provide religious or secular ceremonies, always adhering to the wishes of the family. They can be contacted directly or through a church or funeral home. Certified celebrants are bound by a Code of Ethics which guarantees complete confidentiality when dealing with a bereaved family. Soon after the death of a loved one, the celebrant meets with the family. He listens objectively while information is being shared. It is during this one or two hour period that he gleans the insight and information necessary to write a very personal and unique eulogy. If the family wishes, the celebrant can also arrange for music, video tributes, picture boards, etc. He may also have other suggestions in keeping with the desires expressed during the family meeting/sharing time. On the day of the funeral or memorial service, the celebrant is at the disposal of the family. He will present the eulogy, direct others who wish to speak, coordinate the music, present a video tribute, conduct a graveside service...whatever the family wishes. Why have a Funeral Celebrant? Celebrants are trained to celebrate the life of the deceased. They acknowledge the loss, and share the family's grief and pain through a very personal process. With the help of a celebrant, family and friends are encouraged to participate in the ceremony. Participation in the ritual has a cathartic effect and people are enriched when they are permitted to truly honor their loved one by contributing to the final farewell. A Certified Funeral Celebrant will provide a healing, meaningful ceremony which will long be remembered. The ceremony can be in conjunction with a church service, be spiritual but not religious, be completely secular, or be a combination. It can center around a casket or an urn, or simply be a memorial ritual. Each life is special and deserves to be mourned in a profoundly significant way. A ceremony conducted by a funeral celebrant helps precipitate healing without diminishing the need to grieve. |