Although we regard death as the end of our conscious life, we share the hope that we will live on in the minds and hearts of those whose lives we enriched throughout our earthly life. Our funerals, graveside interments, memorials and celebration of life services provide an opportunity to gather, remember, and celebrate the lives of our loved ones, and to help comfort the bereaved on their individual journeys of grief. This may be especially meaningful to you if your family is without a minister. We can help guide your family’s plans to honour the death of a loved one.
Following your inquiry through our Officiant Coordinator, one of our officiants will contact you to arrange a time to talk with you about the deceased and your needs and vision for the type of service you wish. With the information you provide, the officiant will draft a ceremony for your review, incorporating rituals, eulogies, music, readings, stories, individual testimonials and tributes, as you wish. We will take your lead in honouring your loved one appropriately. We will be honoured to work with you to create a unique and memorable service for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do we need to be Unitarians or members of First Unitarian to use a Officiant?
No. Unitarians in Canada have a long history of providing services for rites of passage to people who do not belong to any church or religious group.
2. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
Typically, a funeral happens within a few days of death and the remains of the deceased are present in a coffin, casket or cremation urn. It tends to be a more traditional ceremony, in a formal setting such as a church or funeral home.
A memorial service or celebration of life service can happen anywhere and at any time after a death. Photographs, mementoes, and slides of the deceased are often featured. Candle lighting, music, and readings are usual elements of these services. Typically these services are less formal than a traditional funeral.
An interment of ashes service may be held in a cemetery, or other place to observe the scattering of ashes in a location conforming to local bylaws. Learn how to make arrangements in Ontario.
3. What kinds of services are offered?
Our officiants offer you their experience, skill and sensitivity to your needs in planning the ceremony of your choice, including but not limited to:
- A funeral, memorial or celebration of life service in a funeral home or private venue
- A graveside burial service or interment of ashes
- A gathering at a crematorium or mausoleum
- A scattering of ashes over earth or water
- A pre-death ceremony in a private home (private or institution), hospital, or hospice setting
4. Fees
Please refer to our fees.