Coffin Talk

davestlouis

I had to lead-in a graveside service today, with a Catholic priest who was a member of the family, who was supposed to officiate the service. I got everybody corralled up at the cremorial site, motioned to the priest, he stepped up to the mic and just stood there. I finally prompted him by saying that "Father is going to say a few words" and he mumbled a prayer or two. I then invited family members to share remembrances, nobody wanted to share, and I invited them back to the son's house for a reception. I have rarely had a priest or pastor not try to take over the process and pontificate, I was astounded. The priest was no spring chicken, he had to have been 60+ years old, so surely he's done a graveside service before.

The family didn't know the difference, they were content with the way things went. Keep in mind, our cemetery served the family, but they used an inexpensive cremation provider for the funeral arrangements. I'm not a licensed FD, I'm just a cemetery director/preneed counselor, so I don't normally get too involved with "the show"...

Frankie Todd · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject:

I was asked by a family to officiate at a chapel service. Was thrilled to do so and had done it in the past. It forced me to prepare a service which I now carry in my hip pocket, just in case a clergyman bails, gets cold feet, forgets, etc. Could you imagine trying to wing it cold? Luckily, it won't happen to me, but I'd encourage evryone to have a set of "go to" crib notes just in case.
_________________
Frankie Todd
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ah2k6 · stiff Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 238 Location: Canada, eh?

Good call. I keep a general committal service 'script' in the lead car for just that sort of occasion.

davestlouis · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:43 am Post subject:

I spoke to my boss today, he's putting together a folder I can carry on graveside services so I can step in if need be...

72h2kaw

"Family did not know the differnce!"

The most important things that could have happened. Great job!

Richard

davestlouis · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Richard. I don't mind improvising, I do it all the time, but a good plan sure helps keep things moving in the right direction.

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