Hello!
My name is Faith Cross – yes - that is my name!
I am an accredited civil funeral celebrant who works across Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. I am a member of, and regulated by, the Institute of Civil Funerals.
This is my first blog for thebestofLichfield and I hope to contribute more during next year.
Two years ago I had not heard of a civil funeral celebrant, so I expect many of you will not have heard of one either.
A civil funeral celebrant is trained to write and deliver non-religious ceremonies for those families wishing to have a non-religious funeral ceremony. This also includes
More people are moving towards requiring a bespoke personal ceremony, designed by the family. A civil funeral celebrant provides this service.
A unique personal ceremony is sensitively created, and delivered, with focus on the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased, and their family. Religious elements can be included; for example, prayers and/or hymns.
I conduct ceremonies at crematoriums, woodland burial sites, and chapels. Within the Lichfield area I have conducted a ceremony at the Lichfield and District Crematorium, near Fradley.
After years spent working in special educational needs I have moved in to this area of work where my skills are transferable to this occupation.
My personal satisfaction is in writing, and delivering a service that meets the requirements of the deceased and the family. It is a privilege to work with families at one of the most distressing times in their lives.
When I meet with a family I listen to what they want. Some families may have a framework in mind already and I help to complete the structure. Other families may have no idea how to design a ceremony and may have a poem or favourite hymn as the only contribution.
Drafting and re-drafting the ceremony can occur up to the evening prior to the ceremony. On one occasion I added a poem ten minutes before the ceremony started, as it was an item the family had only just considered.
With a ceremony – you only get the one chance to get it right.
I hope you have found this blog informative and I look forward to writing more in the New Year.
I give talks to the WI, Town Women’s Guild etc, and I am a member of WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise).
I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
For further information please visit my website www.celebrantfaith.com
I am also on Facebook as Faith Cross Commemorative Services.
Contact: 1faithcross@gmail.com
T: 07809 908728
