Grief can be consuming. A funeral service is often difficult during a vulnerable time, it’s an important part of the grieving process. Reflecting on the strengths and milestones of a person’s life is a natural and beautiful way of marking a person’s time on this earth.
It’s an absolute honour for me to be a celebrant and help mark the end of a loved one’s life. In this role, I’m committed to working respectfully, sensitively, and empathetically to help bring together a ceremony that is personal, heartfelt, and fitting for celebrating life.
You’ve personal choices around who you would like your celebrant to be. It’s only right that you should feel comfortable with the celebrant who’s selected for such an important role. Choosing a celebrant is ideal if you want someone to stay neutral and take action on any requests regarding eulogies on behalf of the family, minimising pressure if family or individuals don’t wish to talk on behalf of the deceased. My role is to work closely with the funeral home, the funeral director and directly with the family.
Blessed with a strong Samoan/Kiwi heritage, I understand the importance of ceremony in a multicultural situation. I am mindful and respectful of protocols, rites, and cultural needs. I also provide ceremonies to non-religious people who don’t wish to be involved in “end-of-life” and alternatively to those associated with an organised religion.
Sometimes, a terminally ill loved one can get peace of mind by selecting their own celebrant and planning aspects of their own funeral service. Difficult as it may be, it can feel right that this burden is lifted from the shoulders of those they are leaving behind. This is incredibly powerful, creating not only a truly authentic funeral but also giving the person peace to focus on family, friends and the moment. I’m available in these situations and work with compassion and understanding to reflect these last wishes with integrity and dignity.
Please don’t hesitate to Contact me if you’d like to learn more.
Celebrant Cheryl 