The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban
Suitable for all ages, the service provides an occasion to remember, give thanks and to celebrate the lives of family and friends who have died.
Before the service, at 2.30pm, doves will be released outside the West Door of the Cathedral. A Book of Remembrance is also being compiled which will be displayed in the Cathedral's Ramryge Chapel from Easter 2012.
The service has been organised by the Cathedral Ecumenical Chaplaincy and the St Albans & District Bereavement Network, and the Abbey Girls’ Choir will be leading the singing. Last year over 1,000 people attended the service. The Mayor of St Albans will be represented at the service by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Geoff Harrison, and the Town Mayor of Harpenden, Cllr Michael Weaver is attending.
The Reverend Canon Richard Watson, Sub Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said, “It’s a huge privilege for the Cathedral to welcome so many people to this service each year, and I’m very much looking forward to taking part this year. The opportunity to gather together offers a unique support and is in itself an expression of hope and thanksgiving. All are very welcome.”
The Address will be given by Dr Mary Groves, Patron and Founder of SABN, who warmly invites all to attend the service, “Few people go through life without experiencing the death of someone who has been very close to them. One way in which people find help is to come to a place of quiet where, alongside others who are making their own journey, they can remember the person who has died and light a candle to their memory”.
Dr Michael Elves, Chairman of the St Albans and District Bereavement Network, said, “This special occasion is open to all who are bereaved. It will be meaningful and welcoming to children and young people as well as to adults.”
For more information or if you are unable to attend the service but would like to talk to someone about the loss of a loved one, please call the St Albans & District Bereavement Network Helpline on 01727 841841 or visit the website for further advice and support www.sabn.org.uk