Funerals
A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping.
As far back into history as we can penetrate, human beings seem to have felt the need for a ceremonial leave-taking of those who have died.
A funeral service in the Church of England - whether in a parish church or a crematorium chapel - may be very short and quiet with only a few members of the family present, or an occasion of great solemnity with music, hymns and a packed church. A funeral may also be set within a celebration of the Mass. This is called a Funeral Requiem.
Whatever the pattern of service, the words and actions all speak of a loving God and the preciousness to him of every human being and the Christian hope of resurrection.
The clergy at St Mary's always feel it a great privilege to be asked to conduct a funeral or offer a Funeral Requiem, and we are always very pleased and willing to help in any way we can.
In the first instance, please ask your Funeral Director to contact the Parish Priest.
Please note that St Mary's Churchyard is now closed to new burials, but the interment of ashes may still take place with special dispensation from the Parish Priest.
Contact
The Parish Office
26 South Park Road
ILFORD
IG1 1SS
020 8478 0546