Planning a funeral service is an intimidating task for many people. Whether it is your first or third time, it usually takes a lot of energy and time. One of the numerous things to do is to choose the right clergy that will preside over the funeral ceremony. Here is a list of five things you might want to consider that will help you choose the right clergy.
1. Consider the religious beliefs of the deceased
A funeral is a way to honor the deceased before you bury them. Therefore, choosing the right clergy based on their religious beliefs is essential. Find their beliefs while alive, and consult with the immediate family before settling on the clergy.
Most times, family members share the same religion, but there are cases where the deceased converted to another religion. In such cases, find the spiritual leader under their religion and meet with close family members to agree on how to conduct the funeral.
2. Location of the funeral
It is essential as it will help you plan the funeral service. Some people prefer having the funeral at the home of the deceased. It means that you will have to find the clergy close to the location of the funeral. You can also call to schedule for the clergy member to be available.
If you plan to conduct the funeral in a religious institution like a church, find one close by and recommended by friends and family. It will help you with the logistics during the day of the funeral, and you can plan if the clergy has to come for the funeral.
3. Communicate with friends and family
When planning a funeral, you need to know the audience of the funeral to choose the right clergy. Understand how the family is mourning their loved one if they have a fond memory of their life. You can also look for a clergy member that knew the deceased personally.
You can find this by communicating with your immediate family and friends. It will help to make the funeral ceremony more personal as they can share the memories of the deceased with the family.
4. Find a clergy member with experience
Funerals are emotional; therefore, getting a clergy with relevant experience is important. They can help you plan the funeral schedule if they have conducted a funeral before. Experienced clergy will guide you on how the funeral ceremony should be conducted.
They will also help you know what is acceptable according to the religion. You can also consult with them on the time the funeral will take and what you need for the funeral service.
5. Recommendations
You can also get the right clergy through recommendations from funeral homes or friends. It is possible to find a friend who knows a clergy member that was helpful to them. You can also find a contact list of clergy from funeral homes. Ensure to first communicate with them to see if they are the right fit for you.
Final words
Having the right clergy can ease the burden of planning for a funeral. It is because you can find the correct procedure to conduct the funeral and plan better for the day. If you are looking for clergy for a funeral you are planning, use the five tips to help you make the best decision.
