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We, at St. Anne and St. Edmund welcome the privilege of helping anyone facing death or the loss of a loved one. The clergy and people of our parish are here to offer care, support and comfort.
Death of a loved one is a difficult time for us all. It is important to find ways of approaching death that allow us to acknowledge it, accept it, and move forward in hope. This is the purpose of a funeral or memorial service.
It has been the practice of the Christian Church for many centuries to gather at the time of death in order to reflect and commemorate, to commiserate and comfort, and to express our hope and faith that we all find our home as loved and beloved by the Creator in our eternal rest. A funeral service is an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, prayer, and mutual support, a time to be reassured and upheld by the spiritual resources of the Christian faith. This is an important gathering and there are a number of things to consider in preparing for such a service:
Having a Funeral Service at St. Anne and St. Edmunds
The first thing to do is to contact the office and give some basic information. From there the priest will contact you to set up a meeting between her and those who wish to plan the service here the date and time will be set. If the burial is to take place in either of our cemeteries a date will need to be set in consultation with our Cemetery Committee as well. Then our Parish Administrator will book the service, complete any necessary paperwork with you, and receive any applicable fee payments.
The Funerl Service
The priest will work with you in determining what kind of celebration of life you are hoping for. We have two resources for a funeral liturgy in the Anglican Church. The first is from the Book of Common Prayer and the second is from the Book of Alternative Services. However, you may choose a simpler service in consultation with the priest; who is there to facilitate what you and your family feel will honour the deceased well while doing so in the presence of God and in a sacred way. We have a pianist who is often available to play music if you so wish. Music can be selected from a variety of classical and/or religious hymns, songs and compositions. This will be decided upon in consultation with the priest and musician. The Parish Hall is available for use as a reception space if requested. Please ask the Parish Administrator for details.
Funeral Fees:
Here is an overview of possible church expenses that can incur when planning a funeral. Please confirm prices with the Parish Administrator as prices are subject to change without notice.
Church: $300.00 (includes service leaflets at no additional charge)
Priest: $250.00
Administration Fees: $100.00
Musician: $150.00
Burial:
Our cemetery is available to both parishioners and members of the wider community. If you are interested in being buried at St. Anne’s Cemetery or the St. Mary’s Errington Cemetery, please contact our Parish Administrator or see our Cemetery’s tab on the website.
Reception:
At St. Anne and St. Edmund, we do have a parish hall that may be available for a reception after the funeral. If you would like details on this please contact our Parish Administrator in the office at 250 -248 - 3114
Further support:
Grief can be overwhelming, and in addition, people are often swamped by a multitude of tasks that need to be done. Family conflicts can become a factor. People can become very stressed, and making good decisions can become difficult. The clergy of St. Anne and St. Edmund can provide a steady and calm presence in the midst of the chaos and offer a helpful perspective on things, and we are glad to be there for you at such difficult times. We are also available to offer prayers of comfort, and to offer a loving and steady presence at a difficult and often frightening time to both the dying person and to their family and loved ones. Our rector will come to either home or hospital and offer prayers and anointing for the dying as requested.