I usually write about Officiating at wedding ceremonies and aim to provide lots of ideas to help make that special day for the Bride and Groom as flawless as possible. However, today I would like to focus on two other important occasions when an Officiant/Minister is usually required. These significant events are birth, and sadly, death.
Of course celebrating the birth of a child is always a delight. A Baby Blessing Ceremony (or Baby Naming Ceremony), is a very happy occasion for the parents, god-parents, grandparents and extended family and friends as they welcome and honor a gorgeous baby into the world. I adore Officiating at these wonderful ceremonies – when there’s a cute baby involved, really, what’s not to love!
Of course celebrating the birth of a child is always a delight. A Baby Blessing Ceremony (or Baby Naming Ceremony), is a very happy occasion for the parents, god-parents, grandparents and extended family and friends as they welcome and honor a gorgeous baby into the world. I adore Officiating at these wonderful ceremonies – when there’s a cute baby involved, really, what’s not to love!
However, I am also called upon to preside over Memorial Ceremonies, or as they are becoming more frequently called, “A Celebration of Life”. We are all confronted with the loss of a loved one at some point in life. It’s unavoidable. My father passed away a few years ago and so I truly understand the feeling of loss and pain. Grief can be quite overwhelming and it seems like it will never go away.
During the first few days after losing my dad, I thought I could never cry another tear again, because my body had shed all tears possible. From this experience, I know that it took the coming together of close family and friends to help in the healing process. When we all gathered for a Memorial Ceremony at a beautiful venue chosen by my mother, the support and closeness of everyone in the same room provided great comfort. A female Officiant conducted the service with great compassion and dignity. Also, a wonderful eulogy was given by my brother - we all cried and laughed as we heard lovely family memoirs. I also stood up and spoke, which was extremely important to me. My niece, a flautist, performed “Amazing Grace” and my father was honored for his service to his country, Australia, during World War II. All of these things helped immensely to overcome grief and celebrate his life. It was actually a happy event, happy in that we gave my father a service he would have loved. It was a ceremony of great respect, it rallied us with uplifting thoughts, and comforted everyone present.
During the first few days after losing my dad, I thought I could never cry another tear again, because my body had shed all tears possible. From this experience, I know that it took the coming together of close family and friends to help in the healing process. When we all gathered for a Memorial Ceremony at a beautiful venue chosen by my mother, the support and closeness of everyone in the same room provided great comfort. A female Officiant conducted the service with great compassion and dignity. Also, a wonderful eulogy was given by my brother - we all cried and laughed as we heard lovely family memoirs. I also stood up and spoke, which was extremely important to me. My niece, a flautist, performed “Amazing Grace” and my father was honored for his service to his country, Australia, during World War II. All of these things helped immensely to overcome grief and celebrate his life. It was actually a happy event, happy in that we gave my father a service he would have loved. It was a ceremony of great respect, it rallied us with uplifting thoughts, and comforted everyone present.
When I am asked to Officiate at a Memorial Ceremony, I do so knowing exactly what the family require from me. I realize that they are hurting deeply and hope to be provided with solace, empathy and be inspired.
Most of all, they want to feel good about truly honoring their loved one. It’s a very rewarding feeling for me.
Most of all, they want to feel good about truly honoring their loved one. It’s a very rewarding feeling for me.
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