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

Funerals:

A funeral is a way of marking the end of a person's life here on earth. Its an important event when family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life of the person who has died and commend them into God's keeping. Whether this is a  small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church , everyone is entitled to a funeral service by their local parish priest regardless of whether they attended church or not. Please contact us if you have any questions .

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.