Funerals

A funeral is used to mark the end of a person’s life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God’s keeping. This can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in either a packed church or crematorium.  Funerals at St Mary's Church, St Michael and All Angels, Downholme, St Edmund's Church, Marske, Darlington Crematorium, Reeth Road Cemetery, Hudswell Cemetery etc tend to be taken by our Rector Martin. 

More information about funeral services is available at www.churchofenglandfunerals.org

Remembering loved ones

We hold a Service of Light (previously known as a Hope and Remembrance service of commemoration) every year.  We held a service early in November (3rd November 2019 at 4pm at St Mary's Church Richmond), when those whose funerals have been held in the previous year are remembered by name in prayer. If we have ministered to you in the last year, you will receive an invitation to this service. All are welcome to attend and perhaps take the opportunity to light a candle in memory of their loved one.  The date of the 2020 service will be posted here. 

You are welcome to light a candle in church at any time, and you can also light a candle here - https://churchofenglandfunerals.org/light-candle/

After the Cards and Visitors

Bereavement is a very difficult time for the spouse/partners left behind. Starting again on their own is even more difficult.
We would like to help with the next step by meeting recently bereaved spouses/partners for coffee, often in a coffee shop in Richmond.  Organised by Carrie we meet at The Fleece at 1.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Very relaxed and informal chats over coffee.