Carmel Rourke Celebrant

19/01/2025

I’m not really one for making new year resolutions which are, more often than not, broken at this point in January. So, I opted to take the power of gratitude through each week with me instead.

As I approach another busy week, it’s with much gratitude that I am able to fulfil a role which requires every ounce of my own life experience to adapt to the needs of others; the good, the bad and the ugly rubbing shoulders alongside the brilliant, the beautiful and the bizarre.

Often, the service which celebrants offer are promoted as a celebration of life but I’ve learned that not all services are a celebration. Not all services are filled with love. Not all services bring comfort.

This last week, just as the one before and the one before that (in fact, every single week since life signposted me to this path) has taught me that the role of the celebrant is one of extreme versatility. It’s one of humility, one of emotional empathy, and one which requires you to identify what every single family needs from you within a very short timeframe.

I’m so proud to work with funeral directors and arrangers who consider who would be the right celebrant for that family. I’m proud that each time I meet with a family, to know that those who have recommended me work with the same integrity and genuine care for each family, and I am grateful each and every day, that life took me down this wonderful path.

15/01/2025

And just like that, the promise of better days…..

10/01/2025

Challenging to navigate but still remaining positive about working at minus temperatures. Spotlight on Widnes Crematorium today, basking in all her glory…..

09/01/2025

In the middle of a hectic month, today really was a reminder (although I never need one) of just how privileged I am to work as a funeral celebrant, in the most glorious of settings.

The day started at Fox Covert Cemetery for a moving and quite beautiful graveside service, surrounded by crisp white snow which glistened in the gorgeous winter sunshine. A little robin joined us for the entire service.

Moving on to Widnes Crematorium to celebrate 100 years of a remarkable lady, again, at that perfect time of day when the sun creeps in through the stained glass windows. Magical, every time.

The day was completed beautifully at Greenacres for a memorial service which I was truly honoured to be asked to lead on behalf of COOP Funeral Care (St Helen’s, Newton-Le-Willows and Prescot branches).

Mother Nature was basking in all her glory throughout the day 💜 (my photos don’t do justice to how beautiful today has been!)

07/01/2025

Four families to see tomorrow and a funeral for a lady who loved waking up to a blanket of crisp white snow on the ground….of course it was going to snow! Roads be kind! I’m investing in a tank to get about next winter!

31/12/2024

04/12/2024

Well done to Co-op Funeralcare Warrington, Stockton Heath and Cheshire’s who put together a beautiful service last night led by Reverend Canon Christopher Cunningham from St Alban’s. It was a privilege to be asked to partake in the service and so lovely to chat to so many families I’ve looked after this last year.

10/11/2024

Such a moving and well attended service in Liverpool today.

We will remember them.

26/10/2024

The perfect way to arrive on their final journey for an avid supporter this week.

Your funeral director will work with you on providing a bespoke service to reflect your loved one’s character and wishes.

17/10/2024

Lovely welcoming space….

Our Community Coffee Morning for October will be having a slight date change - what’s usually the last Thurs of the month we’re moving to Thursday 24th October 10am - 12pm. We’re raising money for the amazing alderhey

12/10/2024

Thank you to the followers of this page.

My job is incredibly important to me. I feel extremely lucky to work with some fantastic people in the industry who have the same passion to support people at such a difficult time.

If you are unaware what a celebrant led funeral looks like, please feel free to contact me or any of the funeral directors who serve our local communities.