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Help at Special Times: Death and Bereavement

Death and bereavement- we're here to help

The death of someone close is a very sad time and there is always such a lot to do when you least feel able to cope. St. Mary’s Church is here to help you. 

A service in church is for anyone, whether or not they have been  regular churchgoers.  You can contact the Rector yourself or your  undertaker  will do this for you. 

This page contains details of the funeral options available and of the support offered by our bereavement visitors. Whatever your needs, we are here to help at this difficult time. 

The remembrance chapel

The Funeral Service 

A funeral service may be held in St. Mary’s, or at a crematorium, or in a cemetery chapel.  Our clergy are available to take the service in whichever setting you choose. 

The clergy will help you plan the service. This can be very simple, or more elaborate if you wish.  An organist is available. 

The funeral service usually lasts about thirty minutes and can include music, hymns, prayers, short readings and possibly a tribute to the deceased.  Please let the clergy know if you, or any of your family or friends, would like to contribute to the service. 

A funeral service is for everyone who knew the deceased, children as well as adults.  Often children can find it very helpful to be present. 

Access is available for people with a disability.  Please let us know what you need. 

Saffron crocus rail at remembrance chapel

The Committal 

The final part of the service is the committal of the person’s earthly body to be cremated or buried. 

When the service in church is followed by burial in the cemetery, the prayer of committal takes place at the graveside. 

Where there is a cremation (either at Cambridge or Harlow), this prayer of committal can take place at the crematorium or at the end of the service in church.  Many people choose to have the complete service in church, including this final act, in the surroundings that would have been familiar to the deceased and with the whole congregation present and able to participate.

St. Mary’s Churchyard is not available for burials, but cremated remains may be buried in our Garden of Remembrance, situated in a quiet area of the churchyard.

After the funeral 

St. Mary’s has a Chapel of Remembrance where funeral flowers may be placed after the service. Flowers may also be left at times of special remembrance. 

There is a Book of Remembrance in the Chapel, in which the name of your loved one may be entered.  The Chapel of Remembrance provides a focus for quiet prayer and reflections at any time. 

The time just after someone has died can be very full and busy.  It may be a little while later that the real grieving begins. 

St. Mary’s Bereavement Visitors are a small group of church members who can offer support at this time.  They are not counsellors, just good listeners.  The clergy will ask if you would like a member of the group to call. 

Grieving can feel very lonely, but support is available:  you do not have to be alone. 

Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and I am the life;  he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

John 11:  25,26 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Any other questions?

Contact the Parish Office

Church Path,

Saffron Walden, CB10 2LF

((  01799 506024)

st.mary's@virgin.net

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