Funerals:

Important update 24th March 2020

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement , the Archbishops of the Church of England have given clear instructions that , for the present time , all churches should remain closed .
This means that funerals can only happen at the Crematorium or at the graveside. To ensure the safety of all , only immediate family members can attend (if the crematorium allows) –spouse or partner, parents and children, and everyone must maintain their distance as we have been asked to do.

These steps may seem restrictive , however, we are all called upon to do what we can to ensure the safety of those who are most vulnerable and to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

Please talk to the Priest in Charge about prayers which can be used at home, for those who are unable to attend a funeral in person.

Book of Remembrance

We have a book of remembrance in church and welcome names being added. Please either come into church and pick up a form or speak to Rev'd Paula about how names can be added.

Memorials

The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, writes;

"Our churchyards are set aside as places of quiet dignity and  good order where you and others may come to reflect on the life of your loved one, the  compassion and mercy of God and his promise  of resurrection to eternal life through  faith in Him. They are sacred and holy places.

Churchyards are public spaces and shared by many families but overseen by the church.  ..........Churchyard Regulations are in place to help you and others mark the final resting place  of your loved one in a visible way, giving  you a  place to visit, whilst respecting the families of others who are

buried in the same churchyard.''

Details of these regulations  are published in the booklet, Hallowed Ground and more details can be found in  a

‘Guidance to the Bereaved’ .

Copies are available in church, on request from a churchwarden or the Priest in Charge, or can be downloaded from the Lichfield diocesan web  site: www.lichfield.anglican.org/ourmission/funerals/

Please do discuss your requirements before making any final  arrangements because no memorial can be placed in a churchyard without the written permission of the parish priest.

The following are not permitted – kerbs, railings, or chippings.

A written application is required before any memorial stone may be erected in the Churchyard at St Matthew’s. The paperwork can be obtained from the Priest-in-Charge, Rev’d Paula Smith.

please click to open/download a leaflet to the Churchyard

Updated 2019