How do I arrange a Funeral?
The death of a loved one is always a difficult time, with many things to take care of. The clergy of St Thomas' see funerals as a very important part of their ministry, which extends beyond simply taking the service. We are very happy to talk to you, either at the church or in your home, at any time after the death of a relative or friend, whether or not you are ultimatly responsible for making the funeral arrangements.
Making arrangements
The funeral director, who will also make arrangements with the crematorium or cemetry, can contact us on your behalf, or you can contact us directly. Not all funeral directors will automatically contact one of the parish clergy, so it is important to check who they will be contacting and ask for one of the clergy from St Thomas' if you live in this parish. When you meet with the funeral directors, remember that having the funeral in church is always an option. Although for many people a service in the chapel at the cemetry or crematorium is what they would be happiest with, everyone is entitled to a funeral in their parish church and this is particularly appropriate for someone who worshipped there during their lifetime.
Before the funeral
After receiving a request from the funeral director, we will always get in touch with you to arrange a home visit before the service (if you live some distance away, we will try and arrange a time to meet with you here at St Thomas', or if that is not possible at least have a conversation by phone). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss any thoughts you have about the details of the service (such as hymns, and other music) and to find out a bit about the person who has died, as well as to provide pastoral support.
After the funeral
We have a team of pastoral visitors, who will visit you if you think it would help to talk further. We will continue to pray in church for you and the person who has died, and each month we hold a requiem mass on a Saturday morning, when the particular focus of our prayers is those who have died recently. We believe prayer for those who have died to be very important, as it is something positive that we can do for them. You are also very welcome to come into the church at any time to say a prayer, either by yourself or with one of the clergy, and to light a candle as a symbol of that prayer.
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