Everybody dies

Grieving for those who were close to us is one of the hardest things that happen to us. The Church has a particular understanding which may help. Many people avoid talking about death but the Church is not silenced. We believe in life after death.

The funeral

When someone in the parish dies, in most cases the Vicar is called upon to officiate at the funeral. We work closely with local undertakers and attempt to ensure that the funeral is a proper and dignified farewell to the person who has died.

A funeral in church allows local people to come to pay their respects even if it is followed by a cremation. Where the deceased is buried, it is the obvious option. Some people, however, prefer a service held entirely at the crematorium in which case one of the clergy would travel and meet the family there.

We always get in touch with the family before the funeral, working out what music and other items are required as well as sharing a little with their grief.

Bereavement visitors

The role of the Church does not cease with the funeral. Grieving is a slow process which takes months and even years. For that reason we offer to the bereaved a visitor from the Church to listen and to talk. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than members of the family.

Bereavement visitors are members of the Church who have been trained to understand the problems of grieving. They do not attempt to be problem-solvers; everyone grieves at their own rate. But a listening and understanding ear can help.

We remember the dead in prayer

In prayer we are joined with God and come closer to those whom we have lost. Each year on November 2nd, All Soul’s Day, we commemorate all the dead who are connected with the Church and all who have died in the previous year. We also include the dead in our intercessions on the anniversary of their death.

Burial in the churchyard

The churchyard was the traditional place for burials. St Neots churchyard became full and was closed for burials many years ago. But it is still possible for cremated remains to be buried in the churchyard. You simply have to ask the clergy or the undertaker and arrangements will be made.

The interment of cremated remains will take place some days after the funeral – we usually do it as part of the service on a Sunday morning so that the whole congregation can offer its prayerful support. (The clergy are also willing to say prayers at the interment or scattering of ashes in a cemetery.)

If you want to talk about grieving or about funeral arrangements, give us a ring or come round.