Celebrant Q & A Working with a Certified Celebrant in Preparation of a Memorial or Funeral Service.
What is a Celebrant?
A Certified Celebrant is a professional with the training, education, experience and background to meet the needs of families during their time of loss. We serve in providing a memorial or funeral service that
is personalized to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the deceased. Many of us have a background in both faith- based and nondenominational service celebration, grief and family counseling, and crisis communication.
What Does a Celebrant Offer?
As Celebrants, we offer an alternative to a service provided by a clergy person for those families who are not affiliated with a church or who do not wish to have a traditional religious funeral service. The service can be spiritual in nature as the family wishes and include favorite elements, prayers and/or traditions desired. It also opens the doors for those who are looking for a service that is interfaith or non-faith based a professional who understands the importance of personalization. Working with a Celebrant, you will receive dedicated attention to making sure the service truly reflects your families’ and your loved one’s beliefs, style and wishes. This is the signature reason for the increase and use of Celebrants today. We also work closely with the funeral home staff to provide seamless service during this time of loss.
What does a Celebrant Do?
The Celebrant has been specifically trained to design a service that is completely personal, incorporating those unique stories, songs, and experiences that reflect the loved one’s life and attributes. We guide the family and assist them in creating special tributes, eulogies and acts of remembrance which includes military and special service elements of honors. Professional Celebrants are also recognized and licensed by the State to perform official ceremonies. Celebrant Mary Vidas is a state licensed certified celebrant serving the Twin Cities area, greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Who contacts the Celebrant? What can I expect next?
Usually the Celebrant will be contacted by the Funeral home, however families are encouraged to know their options and can contact the Celebrant directly. The Celebrant will then schedule a special “Family Time” meeting when the family can share memories, anecdotes and defining moments in the loved one’s life. The essence of the service will be based upon the remembrances of the family, and family and friends will be encouraged to participate.
The Celebrant has developed a library of resources available for readings, music, ceremonies, and personal touches and will consult with the family to help them choose the different parts of the service that reflect their loved one. As a Celebrant, I am well versed in creating a heartfelt service and can offer creative options to choose from in memorializing your loved one.
What does it cost?
Cost of service varies, however, it is usually included in your Funeral Service Plan. Individuals can also contract with a Celebrant for special ceremonies as well. A Celebrant will spend approximately 10 hours in preparation for a memorial service or funeral, provide professional knowledge and maintain a resource library to serve you and your family during your time of need.
The greatest tribute we can give our loved one is to celebrate their life, recognizing their hopes, dreams, and aspirations...sharing stories that now are treasures of the heart! Each memorial service can be as unique as the person we are celebrating. Celebrant Mary Vidas, FCM 651-303-6005 It is important families know they are being served by someone who understands the memorial and funeral process and is prepared to offer the very best service possible! The Celebrant is bound by a Code of Ethics for complete confidentiality in all dealings with the family.
Sample Client Testimonial: “Our family was so very pleased to work with Celebrant Mary. A true professional, she was there for us every step of the way. The memorial service she created and officiated for our Mother was wonderful! She captured Mom’s spirit in her tribute and, to this day, many of our friends still comment on how this was one of the most beautiful services they have attended!”
"Mary is one of the best Celebrants around if you are looking for a beautiful, personalized service for your family members or loved one. She met with our family and put us at ease immediately! She had wonderful suggestions and was able to translate our Dad's story and wishes for a service that was joy filled and meaningful for us all."
"Celebrant Mary's background as a chaplain and trauma counselor was welcomed given the sudden passing of our son. She understood the shock and loss we experienced and helped us create a wonderful ceremony that reflected Danny's true spirit and personality. We instantly felt that she had our Son's best interest at heart and provided the comfort care we needed to being our healing process."
PRE-PLANNING YOUR SERVICE! Celebrant Mary Vidas also works with individuals who are interested in pre-planning their memorial service. Highly regarded in this area, Mary is frequently asked to speak to support groups about the many options open and available in designing a personalized service. A true gift for family, it also bridges the discussion, which can be a difficult one, for families in understanding their loved one's wishes. With grace and humor, It also brings many families closer together during a time that is precious and meaningful.
Celebrant Mary shares. "My experience has shown preplanning is an essential element that supports one's healing, hope and sharing of thoughts and wishes with family. At a time when someone may feel they have lost control due illness or diagnosis, planning one's own life celebration is a meaningful next step that frees the individual and lets them have the last word!" To book at presentation, or for additional information on preplanning services, contact: Celebrant Mary Vidas at Natural Blessings 651-303-6005 or email at mvidas@comcast.net