Funerals & Memorial Services 

Funerals are obviously a very important aspect of our Christian ministry at St Michael’s and St Mary’s. Our faith in Jesus Christ, who himself rose from the dead, enables us to point those we care for to a God of hope and love.

Can anyone have a funeral conducted by a minister from St. Mary’s or St. Michael’s?
We are pleased to conduct funerals at the church or a crematorium for any resident of the parish, regular worshippers and those registered on our electoral roll. Sometimes we minister at funerals for those who live beyond the parish boundaries if the deceased or their family has a strong connection with the church.  For example, a long-standing parishioner who moved away but whose family still worship at the church. We would conduct a funeral for someone from outside the parish whose body will be interred in an existing grave or ashes plot which was originally dug for two.

Can I be buried at St Mary’s or St. Michael’s?
Burials at St Mary's Buckland are still possible in the graveyard surrounding the church.

At St Michael's Betchworth, the graveyard surrounding the church is now full, and we have a separate consecrated site a few hundred metres way, close to the 'Walled Garden' development. This is not restricted in the same way and is managed by the Parish council.  Families and their representative my obtain further information from Clerk to the Burial Board, Bernard Hawkins, 01737 843153.

Is it possible for cremated remains to be scattered in the churchyard?
The term scattering is misleading, for it is not like scattering seeds! We inter ashes by burying them in the ground. We have designated areas for this. The Ashes can be loosely turned in and then the whole is filled with earth and a stone may be placed in top. Alternatively the ashes are placed in a small biodegradable box and the whole box will be placed in the ground.
The undertakers can advise on the types of biodegradable boxes and a suitable memorial plaque

How do I arrange a funeral?
If you have just recently been bereaved, first get in touch with your local funeral director and they will give you all the guidance you need on the practicalities of arranging a funeral.   Please contact Rev Pru Dulley and a pastoral visit can then be arranged at a mutually appropriate time.

For St Mary's Buckland, we have prepared a leaflet titled 'Guidance for Gravestones & Ashes Memorials' which can be accessed HERE.   This information is useful for those considering having a burial or ashes memorial plaque,  and for those relatives and friends who visit or tend existing gravestones or memorial stones in our graveyards.