Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony to be held
The first Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 6 at the Miramichi Kin Centre. The ceremony will honor patients who have died while being followed by the Miramichi Extra Mural Program. This memorial service will not replace the Palliative Care memorial service that is held at the Miramichi Regional Hospital.
“The Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony will allow the family to grieve in an atmosphere strengthened by the community as everyone present will share the common bond of losing a loved one and friend,” says Connie Doucet, Extra Mural Program palliative care coordinator and organizer of the event.
“This ceremony celebrates the life of the individual and also provides closure for the Extra Mural Program staff,” says Doucet.
A total of 31 families have been invited to attend. Doucet says this memorial ceremony has been a goal of the Miramichi Extra Mural Program for some time and it is wonderful that it will be finally realized. “We plan to hold the service twice a year.”
The memorial service is being organized by the staff and volunteers of the Miramichi Extra Mural Program and the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Department of the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Community involvement also includes the Miramichi Kinsmen who have donated the Kin Centre for the event. Reverend Diane Jukes, protestant chaplain for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority and Father Leon Creamer will lead the ceremony. Music will be provided by the Miramichi Extra Mural Program choir led by Doucet and accompanied by fellow musician Paul McGraw.
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