Funerals and Memorials

“Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved

the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength

to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; 

not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.”

The parish ministry of St. Margaret’s supports individuals and families whose loved ones have died with pastoral care and the organisation of a funeral or memorial service. A funeral or memorial powerfully affirms the dignity and sanctity of every human life. In these services we enact our deepest convitions about the reality of life and death, and our Christian hope in the "resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting" revealed to us in Jesus, the Risen One.

What's different between a funeral and a memorial service?

The key difference is the presence of the body or remains of the deceased. 

When the body of the loved one is present, it is a funeral service including unique prayers for entrusting the loved one into God's care, often followed by the burial of that person in their resting place. 

In contrast, a memorial service is conducted in the absence of a loved one's body or remains. Memorials are similar to funerals, but do not include some of the prayers and rituals accompanying our loved one's remains to their resting place. Memorials are particularly helpful for circumstances when the community wants to gather but our loved one's body cannot be present for the gathering.

What does it cost to hold a memorial or funeral at St. Margaret's?
The parish of St. Margaret’s does not charge fees for funeral or memorial services. However, the parish relies on the generosity of donations from families and loved ones to make this feature of its ministry accessible to all in our neighbourhood. See our Donate page for ways to give.