Mission Park: About Funeral Ceremonies
Funeral Customs
Today, funeral customs differ widely between cultures and religions. They comprise a wide variety of beliefs and practices used by a culture to share their memories, including the ceremony.
Types of Memorial Services
Here is some basic information about the most common types of memorial services. Some people want all of these options; others want none. The choice is entirely yours.
- Viewing: This is an opportunity for family and friends to view or sit with your body. A viewing is commonly held at a funeral home or mortuary, but you are free to choose another place, such as your home, a community hall, or a church.
- Wake: Traditionally, a wake is a gathering to celebrate and remember the life of the person who has died. Often characterized by both sadness and gaiety, this gathering can be an important part of the grieving process, allowing family and friends the opportunity to come together and comfort each other. A wake is often held at a family home or a mortuary that offers wake services.
- Funeral: A funeral is a traditional memorial ceremony, usually held in a funeral home or a church. The body is often present, in either an open or closed casket. Beyond that, there are no absolutes or requirements for planning a funeral. If the deceased person was religious, the funeral often includes a brief mass, blessing, or prayer service. Veterans may choose a military funeral, and members of many organizations (such as fraternal or 12-step groups) can choose a service that reflects the values of the organization.
- Memorial ceremony: A memorial ceremony is a less formal ceremony held to remember the life of someone who has died. It often takes place some time after the burial or cremation, so the body is not usually present. Memorial ceremonies may be held anywhere, such as a mortuary, religious building, home, outdoors, or even a favorite restaurant.
Memorial ceremonies are more often the choice of those who wish to have an economic, simple after-death commemoration. While funeral directors, grief counselors, or clergy members may be involved in memorial ceremonies, they are not necessarily the people to consult for objective advice. Many will say that traditional funerals -- often more costly and less-personalized -- are most effective in helping survivors through the mourning process. The truth is that most survivors take the greatest comfort from a ceremony that reflects the wishes and personality of the deceased person.
Helping to Heal
Funerals and ceremonies are an important way for family and friends to put their loss into perspective and help the survivors to heal emotionally.
Care & Support
By coming together to share their thoughts and cherished memories, friends and family provide care and support for one another.
Remember, Honor, & Celebrate Life
Experiencing loss is never easy, and these gatherings are an opportunity to celebrate life, and remember ways the decedent has touched our lives.
Other Funeral Information
For much more information about pre-arranging your funeral, your options, and issues to resove, be sure to invest some time reviewing information on Mission Park's website and then give us a call to discuss your desires.
Areas of interest related to funeral pre-arrangement include:
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