FUNERALS
The death of a loved one is always a time for sorrow and grief. This is entirely natural and it is right that we can express our sadness in such a separation, especially if the circumstances have been tragic or the deceased has been relatively young. A funeral allows us to say goodbye, to express our sorrow in a public manner and also to share memories and express thanks for the life of the person we have loved. In a Christian context, a funeral allows us the opportunity to commend the departed person to the care of our loving Father. The resurrection of Jesus Christ shows us that it is life, not death, which has the last word. We can therefore pray for our dead, trusting in God for their wellbeing and having hope that we will be re-united with them in God's heavenly kingdom.
In the event of a family death, your funeral director will contact the Parish Priest who will arrange to meet and discuss the details of the funeral. Having a funeral service in church prior to a committal at a crematorium or cemetery often provides greater opportunity to celebrate a person's life without the time constraints understandably imposed by crematorium. Pastoral care in these difficult times will always be available by a priest to provide support for the bereaved.
When someone in the parish is dying, please contact Canon Paul Greenwell on 01283 381051 or e-mail canonpaulgreenwell@yahoo.com if you require a Priest to pray with the person and the family, to bring the sacrament to the dying person and to be of whatever support he can be.