Joe works closely with families to create warm, personal funeral services that reflect the life, values and beliefs of the person who has died. He can conduct religious, non-religious and blended services.
Every service is written around the individual and the people who knew them best.
Prayers, hymns, readings and familiar words of faith can be included where requested.
A meaningful celebration of life without religious content can be created.
As our in-house celebrant, Joe works directly with the funeral arranger and funeral team.
Meeting a celebrant can feel daunting when you are grieving. Joe takes time to listen, explain the service clearly and help families decide what feels appropriate. There is no pressure to know exactly what you want before the meeting.
Through conversation, Joe gathers the memories, stories, qualities and important moments that made your loved one who they were. He then brings those details together into a carefully written service.
Families can be involved as much or as little as they wish. Joe can deliver the whole service, support relatives who would like to speak, or create a balance between his words and contributions from family and friends.
There is no fixed format. Joe will listen to your family's wishes and create a service that reflects your loved one's beliefs, personality and life.
For families who would like faith to form part of the funeral, Joe can conduct a service containing familiar and meaningful religious elements.
A non-religious funeral can still be deeply moving, thoughtful and ceremonial, with the focus placed on the person's life and relationships.
Some families want a service that includes personal memories alongside selected religious words or traditions. Joe can combine both naturally and respectfully.
The process is gentle and straightforward, with clear guidance at every stage.
Joe meets with you in person or by telephone to learn about your loved one and discuss the kind of service you would like.
He listens to stories, family memories, important relationships, interests, achievements and the details that made the person unique.
Together you can choose music, readings, prayers, poems, family contributions and the overall tone of the ceremony.
Joe prepares a personal tribute and complete service, checking names, dates and important details carefully.
On the day, Joe leads the service calmly and professionally, supporting family members who are taking part.
The content can be simple or detailed. Joe will help you create a balanced service that fits the time available and feels true to your loved one.
A thoughtfully written account of the person's life, character, relationships and important memories.
Entrance, reflection and closing music, together with hymns or other meaningful musical choices.
Religious readings, poems, letters, quotations or words chosen by the family.
Relatives and friends may speak themselves, share written words for Joe to read, or contribute together.
Traditional or personally selected religious content can be included where the family wishes.
Photographs or a visual tribute can be coordinated with the service where the venue provides the facility.
A moment of silence or music can give everyone time for private thoughts and memories.
Joe will help choose suitable final words for the closing and committal of the service.
Because Joe is part of Jennifer Ashe & Son, he can work directly with your Personal Funeral Advisor, Funeral Director and the wider team preparing the funeral.
Joe can conduct services at crematoria, cemeteries, gravesides, funeral home chapels and other suitable venues.
Where a church or denomination has particular requirements, our team will discuss these with you and work with the relevant minister or place of worship as appropriate.
Availability and any applicable celebrant charge will be confirmed as part of your written funeral estimate.
“Our celebrant was Joseph, a really lovely, kind and patient young man who guided us through and delivered the service for our son.”Family review
Our Personal Funeral Advisors can explain Joe's celebrant service, check availability and help you begin planning a funeral that reflects your loved one.