The Funeral Celebrant

A Guide For New Celebrants.Revised - 2004

by Ken Woodburn CFC

The Funeral Celebrant

A Guide For New Celebrants.Revised - 2004

by Ken Woodburn CFC

ISBN 0-9756005-0-8

Published By:The Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants Inc.

ABN: 891 923 893 29 Distributed by

Australian Celebrants & Celebrations Network ABN 31 202 566 788

ACCN ShopPO Box 113

Robertson NSW 2577Ph: 1300 781 444

www. accn-celebrants.com.au

The Funeral Celebrant

A Guide For New Celebrants.Revised - 2004

by Ken Woodburn CFCI dedicate this publication, ‘The Funeral Celebrant’ (Revised - 2004)

to my late wife, Elizabeth A. Woodburn,

a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant, who inspired me to write the original document and

who was always a wonderful support to me and to the industry in every way she could.

The contributions by Funeral Celebrants to the community at large has increased tenfold since the nineteen eighties and it is important for new celebrants entering this field to be aware of the duties and responsibilities of this profession. It is also important to illustrate, in some form of a ‘job description’, the obligations that one should be aware of before taking the step into this growing industry. This is therefore a guide for new Celebrants in the approach to their new undertaking.

Acknowledgement

I should like to acknowledge my mentor and friend, Rick Barclay, whose experience and wisdom is forever available

to those seeking excellence in this profession.

i

The Funeral CelebrantINDEX

Acknowledgements FUNERAL CELEBRANT VOCATION ........................................................ 1THE TEN COMMANDMENTS .................................................................... 1* Attitude ............................................................................................ 2* Being an extremely good Listener ........................................................ 2* Maturity ............................................................................................ 3* Compassion & Understanding ........................................................ 3* Appearance ............................................................................................ 3* Presentation ............................................................................................ 3* Dedication ............................................................................................ 4* Fitness ( and ‘Burnout’) .................................................................... 4* Religious Rites & Ceremonies ........................................................ 5* BeingYourself ............................................................................................ 5THE INGREDIENTS OF A CEREMONY ............................................ 6 * Recording ................................................................................ 6THE INTERVIEW .............................................................................................. 6 * Ingredients a family may or may not wish to include ................... 6 * Readings, prayers, music, speakers and written tributes ............... 7 * The duration of a funeral ceremony ........................................... 7 * “ The deceased did nothing” ........................................................ 7 * Prepared history by the family ............................................ 7 * Personal tributes ........................................................ 7 * Special readings - religious or otherwise ..................................... 7 * Emotional Speakers and Emotions ........................................... 8

The Funeral CelebrantA Guide For New Celebrants.

Revised - 2004by Ken Woodburn CFC

I dedicate this publication, ‘The Funeral Celebrant’ (Revised - 2004)

to my late wife, Elizabeth A. Woodburn,

a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant, who inspired me to write the original document andwho was always a wonderful support to me and to the industry in every way she could.

AcknowledgementI should like to acknowledge my mentor and friend, Rick Barclay, whose experience and

wisdom is forever available to those seeking excellence in this profession.

The contributions by Funeral Celebrants to the community at large has increased tenfold since the nineteen eighties and it is important for new celebrants entering this field to be aware of the duties and responsibilities of this profession. It is also important to illustrate, in some form of a ‘job description’, the obligations that one should be aware of before taking the step into this growing industry. This is therefore a guide for new Celebrants in the approach to their new undertaking.

THE INTERVIEW continued ... * Prayers .............................................................................. 8 * The eulogy prepared by family .......................................... 8 * Use of a Checklist .................................................................. 9 * Family or friends not present at the interview .................. 9 * No love lost between the family and the deceased .................. 9 * Bereaved family must come First, Second and Third .................. 9 * Person responsible for agreement ........................................... 10 * Ensuring an accurate and acceptable eulogy .............................. 10 * Families written notes of reflections .......................................... 10 * When family is very divided, or in dispute .............................. 10 * Use of a tape recorder for interviews .......................................... 10 * The task of compiling the eulogy and preparing the ceremony 11 * Form of Service .................................................................. 11 * The Interview by Telephone ....................................................... 11THE PREPARATION OF THE CEREMONY .......................................... 12 * Notices .............................................................................. 12 * The Introduction .................................................................. 12 * The Eulogy .............................................................................. 13 * Chronological sequences of the deceased’s life * Personal aspects of the deceased’s life * Speakers .............................................................................. 14 * Readings ............................................................................... 14 * Reflection .............................................................................. 14 * Music .......................................................................................... 15 * Prayers, Religious Readings and Hymns .............................. 16 * First Cardinal Sin - being late ...................................................... 16 * Second Cardinal Sin - using wrong name for deceased ...... 16 * The Final Preparation .................................................................. 16 * The Committal .................................................................. 17 * Relationship with Funeral Director .............................. 17 * Conclusion .................................................................. 18 APPENDIX ....................................................................................................... 20

* Using an Interview Sheet together with prompters or prompters 20 * Quoting words spoken to you by a family member or friend ... 20 * Read all the names of the family survivors .............................. 20

A SAMPLE EULOGY : John Peter ‘Jack’ Citizen 1.2.1920 - 2.7.2003............ 21

EULOGY CONTENTS .............................................................................. 24 * Chronological, Personal, Relationships Checklist. ................... 24 * Major Areas of Person’s Life Map ............................... 25 EXAMPLES OF FUNERALS .................................................................. 26

* Overview ................................................................... 26 * Kathy Hurley ............................................................................... 27 * Deborah Mary Marquez ...................................................... 33GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................... 37