Funerals
Funerals, Celebrations of Life and Memorials offer people the opportunity to honour a loved one who is no longer with them. In many situations, friends and family may wish for a meaningful time of reflection to celebrate how much a loved one meant to their family, and the greater world. As a Humanist Officiant, it would be my great privilege to carefully listen to the needs and wishes of the bereaved, and facilitate a service that helps to celebrate the many gifts and contributions of their loved one while saying goodbye to him or her.
Family members and/or friends are invited to participate in the ceremony, and share their own thoughts and reflections. I will meet with the family prior to the day of the funeral in order to gather information that would be appropriate for the service. Please feel free to contact me so that we can thoughtfully design a ceremony that will honour your loved one.
Vow Renewals
A vow renewal is a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage and reaffirm your commitment to one another. This ceremony can strengthen your bond though a formal acknowledgement of your love, either as an intimate ceremony or in the presence of your family and friends.
A vow renewal can help you to mark the accomplishment of 5, 10, 25, or 50 years together and it lets the world know that you would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Or, perhaps you want to reaffirm your commitment to one another after a difficult period in your relationship. I will ensure that your vow renewal accurately reflects how the two of you have grown together, and bring out the best in each other.
Child Namings
A Child/Baby Naming or Welcome to Life Ceremony allows the parents, family and community to celebrate the special gift of a new life.
It is a time to rejoice that a baby has been born into a caring circle of family and friends. It is also a time to reflect upon our responsibilities to this child. By formally naming him or her, the individuality of the child can be honoured.
If appropriate, a naming certificate will be signed by the parents and the child’s mentors during the service. Many traditions can be incorporated into this event, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you in detail.