“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Funerals
A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world.
Everyone is entitled to either a burial service (funeral) or to have their ashes buried in their local parish churchyard by their local Parish Priest regardless of whether they attended church or not. Speak to your local vicar for more information, or, if you do not know who your local vicar is please use the button on the left to find your local Church of England church.
Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving. Perhaps you already know something of what your loved one wanted. You may even have planned the service together some time ago.
If you are uncertain the minister who will lead the service can help you choose suitable readings, hymns and prayers. If they did not know your loved one well, they will want to talk with you to build up a picture of the person’s life, this may take only one meeting but sometimes it can be more.
Some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing or unexpected. The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide. Talk with your minister about what is possible.