Rev. Barbara Allen

FUNERAL CELEBRANT

This is the ceremony which happens
at the seemingly worst part of our lives

The loss of a loved one leaves us bereft
free-falling and no longer sure of anything

The creation of a suitable ceremony
designed to honour and celebrate the life of that loved one
is a critical part of the grieving process

It is often the only opportunity for families and friends
to freely express their feelings
and articulate meaningful memories
of the person who has died

yOUR BESPOKE CEREMONY

As an ordained, Interfaith Minister
I will bring to your ceremony, as celebrant
an air of natural calm and a professional ability
to hold your family and your loved one
in a sacred space
which we will create together

I will help you explore what music may be appropriate

Poetry or Readings which you may like to include

The offering of gifts to capture the essence of the loved one's life force

Creation of a eulogy

I will work with the Funeral Directors to ensure
an atmosphere of integrity and authenticity in your ceremony

I will be with you every step of the way
and I will guide you with loving kindness, care and compassion

CLOSING THE COFFIN

Whether you use the services of a Funeral Director
or you take your loved one to your home
eventually there comes the time
to leave that place and close the coffin

This is a very emotional and distressing time for any family
often, it is difficult to know what to do and what to say
before this particular farewell

I have found that many families benefit from
the presence of their Celebrant at this time
to lead, guide and hold this space
with some well chosen words, music, poetry
and informal goodbyes from family members

It is a time of gravity and authenticity
and, I believe, should be honoured as such

I am privileged to hold this time with you
as part of my overall Funeral services and ceremonies

INTERMENT OF ASHES

A number of days can pass before
the remains are returned
interred in a vessel

Families often have set ideas about
how they would like to inter or
"scatter the ashes"

I would be honoured to hold a brief ceremony
at the location your have chosen
whether it be an existing grave
or some place of special significance
to the loved one and their family

Prayers, poems and songs can give great comfort
and allow the mourners a further outlet to grieve
and a to have a stronger feeling of closure

A LITANY OF REMEMBRANCE

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,we remember them
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,we remember them
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,we remember them
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them
When we are lost and sick at heart,we remember them
When we have joys, we yearn to share, we remember them
So long as we live,they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them

Testimonials

"This lady brought so much comfort to our family and friends
on the recent passing of our lovely Mum.
I'm blessed to call her a friend.
I would highly recommend Barbara Allen"
- Susan Ward

"Just a few words to express my sister's and my own gratitude
for the lovely service you gave at our Mother's funeral.
The service was perfect
and our Mother would have been very proud.
I would highly recommend Barbara Allen
and would like to say a huge "thank you" for all you did"
- Cindy Judge & Gemma Bell

"We wanted to say a very big THANK YOU for last Friday's Service You made our lives so much easier
by gently guiding us when choosing
specific readings, memoirs and music for Mike
We feel you did an incredible job
and Mam has taken great comfort
knowing that Mike received the best send-off
You couldn't have done a better job"
- Michelle, Emer and Paul

ballen22@hotmail.com +353 86 1038233