FUNERALS & MEMORIALS
Services at Calvary Church
Please inform the Clergy as soon as possible after a death, no matter what the hour (860-980-1631). The clergy will assist the family and funeral director in making arrangements for the burial.
FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICES GUIDELINES OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
The funeral or memorial service follows the guidelines of The Book of Common Prayer. Family members and friends are invited to take part in the service by reading lessons and the prayers. One or two remembrances by family members of friends may be offered. A homily or sermon, which emphasizes the comfort of our faith, may also be preached. It should be remembered that the funeral service is a public statement of the Christian faith and hope in the Resurrection.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Floral arrangements for a funeral or memorial service should not be more elaborate than on a normal Sunday. The coffin is sealed before it is brought into the church. During the funeral the coffin is covered with the pall. Floral arrangements sent to the family by friends will be placed at the baptismal font or by the main doors of the church.
GUEST CLERGY
At the request of the family, clergy from other churches may be invited to take part in a funeral or memorial service. An invitation to participate will be extended by the clergy of Calvary Church.
RECEPTION FOLLOWING A SERVICE
Many families wish to have a reception after the funeral to greet friends. The church is happy to provide space for this in the Parish House.
PAST SERVICES
RESOURCES FOR FUNERALS & MEMORIALS
Several years ago Calvary's staff and pastoral care leaders devised a resource to help each of us plan for a funeral or memorial service: a packet entitled "Last Things." We have recently reprinted this resource, and would like to introduce it to those who may not have a copy.
The booklet includes guidance on helping those who grieve as well as very practical information about funeral planning. It also includes lists of suggested hymns and scripture readings and worksheets to help you plan a funeral or memorial service and write an obituary for you or a loved one.
All materials are available at the church office or online: