Kerryn Dunlop DD JP Mobile: 0418 761 034 Servicing Coast to the Capital
My services
What is a Funeral Celebrant?
Celebrants create and officiate life passage ceremonies and transitions. They are trained and certified in the art of ritual, ceremony, world traditions, faith traditions, mythology, ceremonial writing and ceremonial speaking. No belief system is ever imposed or presumed.
A Funeral Celebrant creates the ceremony for a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, graveside, scattering of ashes or interment. Meaningful end-of-life ceremonies are created by capturing the unique life lived using stories, anecdotes, and other carefully selected elements in a ceremony reflective of the person who died.
As an Individual Funeral celebrant I can work on my own or in conjunction with other funeral professionals such as a funeral director, cemetery, crematorium, members of the clergy and/or event planner. I perform services wherever the family wishes - at funeral homes, parks, cemeteries, beach, the family's home and burial at sea.
As I am an individual Funeral celebrant and not a director, I do not handle the disposition of the body (they are ceremony specialists).
My training:
I have a background in Children and Family Services as well as Aged Care and Dementia, Mental Health and Disabilities and Palliative and End of Life Care. For 10 years I was a Lay Presider of Sacraments with the Uniting Church where I studied through ELM Parramatta, Adelaide College of Divinity and Coolamon College. I also hold a Doctorate in Divinity with Spriitus Church through Christ University as Minister and Chaplain. I have studied world traditions, faith traditions, mythology, symbolism, ceremonial writing, ceremonial speaking and family interviews. I am also trained in special areas such as traumatic deaths, suicides, miscarriage, stillborn, infants, the death of a child.
What should I expect from a Funeral Celebrant?
Whether your family is secular, religious, spiritual, interfaith, atheist, agnostic or you simply wish to express yourself in a manner of your own choosing, a celebrant can create a meaningful end-of-life tribute. They reflect their clients' histories, personalities, values and beliefs without judgment.
Below is a list of what you should expect from me if you choose me as your funeral celebrant:
A gentle interview with family and friends (approximately 1-2 hours)
I will speak with you at no obligation so I can learn about your needs and explain my services.
My services to you includes:-
What is a Funeral Celebrant?
Celebrants create and officiate life passage ceremonies and transitions. They are trained and certified in the art of ritual, ceremony, world traditions, faith traditions, mythology, ceremonial writing and ceremonial speaking. No belief system is ever imposed or presumed.
A Funeral Celebrant creates the ceremony for a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, graveside, scattering of ashes or interment. Meaningful end-of-life ceremonies are created by capturing the unique life lived using stories, anecdotes, and other carefully selected elements in a ceremony reflective of the person who died.
As an Individual Funeral celebrant I can work on my own or in conjunction with other funeral professionals such as a funeral director, cemetery, crematorium, members of the clergy and/or event planner. I perform services wherever the family wishes - at funeral homes, parks, cemeteries, beach, the family's home and burial at sea.
As I am an individual Funeral celebrant and not a director, I do not handle the disposition of the body (they are ceremony specialists).
My training:
I have a background in Children and Family Services as well as Aged Care and Dementia, Mental Health and Disabilities and Palliative and End of Life Care. For 10 years I was a Lay Presider of Sacraments with the Uniting Church where I studied through ELM Parramatta, Adelaide College of Divinity and Coolamon College. I also hold a Doctorate in Divinity with Spriitus Church through Christ University as Minister and Chaplain. I have studied world traditions, faith traditions, mythology, symbolism, ceremonial writing, ceremonial speaking and family interviews. I am also trained in special areas such as traumatic deaths, suicides, miscarriage, stillborn, infants, the death of a child.
What should I expect from a Funeral Celebrant?
Whether your family is secular, religious, spiritual, interfaith, atheist, agnostic or you simply wish to express yourself in a manner of your own choosing, a celebrant can create a meaningful end-of-life tribute. They reflect their clients' histories, personalities, values and beliefs without judgment.
Below is a list of what you should expect from me if you choose me as your funeral celebrant:
A gentle interview with family and friends (approximately 1-2 hours)
- Research, write, plan and officiate at the ceremony
- Knowledge in death and dying rituals, world traditions, prayers, readings, scripture, symbolism and mythology
- Arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony
- Officiate at the ceremony
- Offer a printed keepsake copy of the ceremony at no extra charge
- Work as part of a seamless team with other funeral professionals
- Create a custom ceremony just for you
- Serve with compassion, respect, dignity, focus, and humility
- Every word of the ceremony is shown to you beforehand, assuring accuracy and tone
I will speak with you at no obligation so I can learn about your needs and explain my services.
My services to you includes:-
- A meeting at your home, or wherever you prefer, to talk about what kind of ceremony would best suit the person who has passed away.
- We will discuss their life and maybe consider family members or friends who would like to take part.
- Children can be involved as often they provide the most colourful and vivid memories which can be incorporated into the service.
- Discussing and arranging any particular music to be played on entering or leaving?
- Considering favourite poems or readings?
- Considering any spiritual or religious content eg The Lord's Prayer or a favourite hymn?
- Do you have any favourite memories or interesting stories?
- The Ceremony will be prepared including writing a tribute for you, or assist family and friends in delivering their own tributes.
- Your Funeral Director and I (Kerryn) will work closely together, with members of staff at the crematorium or burial ground, ensuring the Ceremony proceeds according to your wishes.
- On the day of the ceremony I will be there with you, to conduct the Service.
