Coming Together in Times of Loss
Funeral services provide a space to start healing and to look forward with hope. They remind us of the meaning in our own lives and guide us toward finding purpose, even as we walk through grief.
The Purpose of a Funeral
When we lose someone we love, a funeral or memorial service becomes more than a ritual — it is a meaningful gathering that fulfills our deepest emotional and spiritual needs. In those moments, we are given the chance to honor a life well lived, to face the reality of death, and to hold onto the memories and stories that shaped our connection with the one we’ve lost.
A funeral also marks the beginning of healing. By bringing grief out into the open, it allows us to mourn together, to express the pain we feel, and to begin the journey toward acceptance. Surrounded by family and friends, we find comfort in the love and support of others, discovering strength in community during a time when it’s most needed.
Perhaps most importantly, funerals give us space to express what often cannot be said in ordinary life. They allow us to share our emotions, beliefs, and gratitude while saying goodbye in a way that honors love itself. In this way, a funeral is not only about loss — it is also about meaning, memory, and hope for those who continue the journey.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
“Funerals are too sad.”
Sadness is a natural response to loss. Funerals give us a safe place to feel our grief and begin healing.
“Funerals are an inconvenience.”
Setting aside time to honor a loved one is not a burden — it is an act of love, respect, and community support.
“If we choose cremation, we can’t have a funeral.”
Cremation and funerals are not mutually exclusive. Services can be held before or after cremation, with or without the body present.
“Funerals are only for religious people.”
Non-religious ceremonies can be just as meaningful, offering space for remembrance, healing, and shared love.
“Funerals are only about the wishes of the deceased.”
While honoring a loved one’s wishes is important, funerals are ultimately for the living — to help them grieve, heal, and find closure.
“Funerals are only for adults.”
Children grieve too. Allowing them to attend helps them understand loss and teaches them that mourning is a natural part of love.