Dad wanted his service to be about how important his family and friends were to him.”

“Mom didn’t go to church and didn’t want a religious funeral.”

“We are spiritual but not members of a church.”

What is a Celebrant?

A Celebrant is a person who is trained and certified to meet the needs of families during their time of loss. A Celebrant creates a personalized tribute service to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased.

As a Funeral Celebrant who conducts funerals for those who do not wish to have the traditional, religious experience, I've seen the power of gathering, of ceremony, of stories to pave the path to begin the grief journey. I've also seen the damaging effects to those who deny or disavow a gathering experience.

It can take much longer to find a place of adjustment and healthy grieving when those needs are ignored and avoided. It's not about the cost or the flowers or the casket or urn.  It's about the healing power of speaking and embracing and acknowledging. So, call it a tribute, a gathering, a memorial, a funeral--please just have one.  It’s important to you, your health, your family and your community to carve out that sacred and special time to remember. — Glenda Stansbury

What does a Certified Celebrant offer the family?

Our Celebrants offer an alternative to a service provided by a clergy person for those families who are not affiliated with a church or who simply do not wish to have a traditional religious service.

Our Celebrants have been specifically trained to design a service that is completely personal incorporating those unique stories,songs and experiences that defined the individual.

Our Celebrants will schedule a special Family Time for those closest to share memories of the loved one’s life making the essence of the tribute service based upon the remembrances of the family.

Our Celebrants have a library of resources available for readings,music, ceremonies and personal touches. The Celebrant will consult with the family to help design a service that best reflects and memorializes the life of their loved one.

Our Celebrants are bound by a Code of Ethics for complete confidentiality.

Why do we offer this service?

Like the past trend with cremation, in recent years we have been noticing increasing requests for non-religious ceremonies. In fact, onMarch 9, 2009, an Associated Press article written by Rachel Zoll waspublished. It presented the report from The Program on Public Values at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut which surveyed 54,461 adults from February through November of 2008.

What is different now?

Serving families who are not members of a place of worship is not new for us. In the past when arranging a service, families often asked if we could recommend a clergy person because they were not members of a church.

This is a request we continue to fulfill for some families. However, more recently we have been noticing a changein that a growing number of families when arranging a service arespecifically requesting to not have clergy present. They have alsoasked how we can help. Feeling obliged, we responded by having our associates further their education to become Certified Celebrants.

Why use a Certified Celebrant?

The comprehensive training for Certified Celebrants is established by The In-Sight Institute and assures your family that they are being served by someone who understands the process and is prepared to offer the very best uniquely personalized tribute service possible.

Can we use favorite music and poetry?

Our Certified Celebrant will work with you to create a custom tribute that can include favorite music, poetry, scripture, prayer and most anything you can imagine, wish or request.

Where Does a Family Find a Celebrant?

You may consult with your funeral director about finding a Celebrant in your area or go to www.insightbooks.com and look under Find a Celebrant.