St Mark & St Stephen
Funerals
Sharing life's precious moments
When someone you love dies, planning their funeral can feel overwhelming. We are here to support you at this difficult time. Funerals can take place in church, at the graveside, or in the chapel at a crematorium, and a priest can lead the service wherever you choose.
In the first few days after a death, there are some immediate things to arrange:
- Register the death – you can find guidance on how to do this on the government’s website.
- Contact a Funeral Director – they will help you plan the funeral and talk through your options. If you’re unsure who to choose, you can find local funeral directors through the National Association of Funeral Directors or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.
The Funeral Director will ask about burial or cremation, and where you would like the service to take place. You do not need to be a regular churchgoer to have a Church of England funeral, our funerals are available to everyone.
They may also ask if you have any preferences for music or special ways to reflect your loved one’s life. The priest leading the service will guide you through these choices and help you shape a service that feels personal and meaningful.
Cremation Funerals
If you choose cremation, the funeral can be held entirely at the crematorium, or you may prefer to have part of the service in church. The priest can help you decide what works best for your family. They can also lead prayers when the ashes are laid to rest at a later date.
What Happens at a Funeral?
At the start, the coffin is carried in by pallbearers, who can be family, friends, or professionals. Music can be played as the coffin enters, but it is equally fine to have silence. During the service, there may be hymns, readings, prayers, and a eulogy or tribute to remember and celebrate the person who has died.
The priest will share a message of hope, reminding us of God’s promise that death is not the end. There is time for reflection, either in silence or with music, before the final farewell prayers commend your loved one to God’s care.
You may choose a simple service with tributes, hymns, and prayers, or a Funeral (Requiem) Mass with Holy Communion included. The priest can discuss all options with you.
Music
If you would like hymns, some popular choices include:
- Abide with me
- The Lord is my shepherd
- Love divine, all loves excelling
- Great is thy faithfulness
- All things bright and beautiful
- Be still for the presence of the Lord
- Dear Lord and Father
- Lead us heavenly Father lead us
- The day thou gavest
Organising a funeral involves many decisions, but you do not have to do it alone. We are here to support you with care, prayer, and practical help as you say goodbye to your loved one.