One of the most impactful ministries we have as Anglicans in our Diocese is funeral ministry. Our liturgies reflect a compassionate, inclusive tone, while providing an environment of pastoral care by our parish leaders. Celebrations of Life, whether in a church, funeral chapel or at a graveside, can connect people with a loving God and a warmhearted faith community.
Parish lay leaders, especially Licensed Lay Ministers, Vocational Deacons, and others, are called to share in this pastoral office. As local ministers, they are often familiar with the families and communities. The Spirit is leading our Diocese to embrace more fully the ministry of all the baptized in this area.
To be clear, anyone taking leadership in parishes for ministries like prayers at the time of death, funerals, graveside committals, etc., requires the permission of the rector, priest-in-charge, or pastoral administrator (or in absence of these, the regional Archdeacon).
A number of resources are available for use below.
(Watch this space. More resources to be uploaded shortly.)