Redenhall Deanery

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Funerals
The death of someone you love is a devastating occasion. Most people are shell-shocked for some time, so it helps to have some assistance in coping with all that needs to be done.

 
Your local funeral director (you can find them in the Yellow Pages) will help with many aspects of the death, like how to go about registering the body, putting a notice in the paper (if you wish to do so), people you need to inform such as banks and employers. He will also suggest a time and date for the funeral and contact the local vicar on your behalf.


You can find out more about funerals in the Church of England by clicking on this link:

http://http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/funerals
http://www.churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-funerals/funerals.aspx

 
The Funeral Service
Everyone is different, so people differ over their requirements. The Church will help in any way possible and once the vicar is aware of the death, he or she will usually visit you to find out exactly what you want.
The vicar will also be able to help you decide on hymns and readings, and the shape and feel of the service.
Although it may seem like facing a huge ordeal, you should find that the funeral is actually a source of strength, comfort and support.
The purpose of the funeral is to help you begin the long process of coming to terms with the death. It's an opportunity for you to say your final farewells in a dignifed setting and to hand over your loved one into God's gentle and loving care.
 
After the funeral
Many people find the period after the funeral quite difficult. All sorts of uncomfortable emotions may surface and you may find yourself feeling tearful, angry, depressed, bitter, resentful, guilty, sad, sometimes for many months. You might find that your sleep pattern is disturbed and you're unable to concentrate.
Priests and some lay church people are trained to help deal with these painful feelings and will be only too pleased to listen and support. 
Many churches (and some funeral directors) also offer a Memorial Service at All Soul's (near Hallowe'en), which is usually a short, quiet service at which the names of those who have died during the year are read out and there is an opportunity to light a candle in their memory. Contact your local church for details.