The practice of cremation dates back to ancient times and today is becoming the choice of many families. Cremation in no way limits your options, but increases the types of services you may have preceding or following the actual cremation itself. The extent and content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family. Visitation/viewing, funeral mass/services, scattering of the remains,  memorial Service or a simple grave-side service are many of the options available to you if cremation is your choice. We can help guide you in choosing which services your family will be comfortable with. The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that with cremation, there is no need for services. However, a service or memorial ceremony is an important step in helping the bereaved overcome their grief, and offers family and friends the opportunity to honor a loved one. Throughout the ages, people have relied on the comforting rituals and ceremonies of funeral and memorial services to help them through their grief. The value of those services hold true today for those who choose cremation. Gathering together for a service acknowledges the grief of relatives and friends by helping them feel included in the grieving process. Gatherings also allow loved ones to share stories, give eulogies and otherwise reaffirm the value the deceased person had in other’s lives. And. most important of all, these gatherings help the immediate family begin the healing process. Services or ceremonies can proceed or follow the actual cremation, Prior to cremation, there may be gathering, which can be either public or private, with an open or closed casket. When the service follows the cremation, a receptacle (or urn) containing the cremated remains may take a place of prominence. Following the ceremony, the final disposition of the cremated remains takes place. Ceremonies can be simple, contemporary, religious or secular. Music, readings, stories and poetry can be added to personalize the event to both reflect on and celebrate the life that was lived. Some families arrange a memorial table with personal items that reflect the personality, accomplishments and interests of the person’s life, allowing others to share positive and happy memories. Most services, with the exception of some religious ceremonies, can be held in the funeral home. This enables the staff to assist with the many details involved.