Funerals

If the death of a loved one is expected and you have accepted the responsibility of planning for it, it is prudent to make contact with the celebrant for preliminary planning to take place. This will assist you with the responsibility of planning and making preparations.

The family can then contact the funeral home and inform the undertaker of timing for the family, the celebrant and the funeral home. This is important when considering those friends and relatives who may wish to be involved in the planning and conducting of a ceremony to celebrate the life of a friend or relative. People may travel long distances and the timing can be critical.

Jeff Carstens, together with you, the friends or relatives, can plan a ceremony that reflects the life of the person having passed on. At that time, decisions are made about the ceremony and the elements needed, such as the eulogy, readings, music and speakers.

A book called "the order of celebration" is prepared by Jeff to guide the order of the ceremony, and is presented to the family at the conclusion.

When a loved one passes on, please ensure that your celebrant is someone who knows you or is prepared to quickly learn what you and your family require. This will be such a comfort to all people involved.

1. Provide meaningful ceremonies for people who care and desire carefully planned and conducted , “Celebration of Life” , ceremonies.

2. Assist everybody in planning a ceremony , to relieve the tension and apprehension felt at these troubles times.

3. Provide counseling to family and friends grieving and hurting , for the loss of a loved one.

4. Provide an easy path for family members to follow in planning a ceremony to celebrate the life of a loved one.

5. Promote a friendly and calm environment for concerned people , allowing them to achieve their needs.

6. Create , write and conduct a “Celebration of Life” ceremony , that is meaningful , emotional , memorable and incorporates the needs of all.

7. Provide appropriate material , readings , poetry and verse for use in ceremonies.

8. Continually study and assist others in promoting increased professionalism in Celebrants.

9. Be involved with controlling bodies for the Funeral Profession.