International College of Celebrancy

----- A funeral oration for our times. -------
431 BC: Pericles — The Original Funeral Celebrant
---- The most famous funeral oration of the ancient world is that by Pericles, of Athens, at the end of the year 431 BC.—during the Peloponnesian War.
Pericles could well be regarded as the original Funeral Celebrant—the oration is secular and humanistic. Here is part of the text as quoted by A.R. Burn in The Pelican History of Greece. -----
----------------------------
“For ours is a constitution which does not imitate those of others, but rather sets them an example. Its name - because power rests not with a few but with the majority - is Democracy; in private disputes all are equal before the law, and in public life, men are honoured for conspicuous achievement in any field, and not for sectional reasons; nor is any poor man, who has it in him to do good service to the city, prevented by his obscurity. Ours is a free state, both in politics and in social life.
We do not grudge our neighbour his pleasures, nor treat him to black looks, which may do no harm, but are unpleasant. We are tolerant in our private life, but at the same time we fear and obey the laws and public authorities; especially those laws that are laid down for the protection of the oppressed, and those unwritten laws whose sanction is dishonour.
We have provided ourselves with ample recreation from our work; games and sacrifices at intervals throughout the year, and the gracious fittings of our own homes, our pleasure in which removes all dreariness from the daily round . . .
. . and because of the greatness of our city, all the products of the world flow in to her, and we enjoy the good things of other lands as easily as our own...
We are lovers of beauty with economy, and of intellectual life without growing soft. Wealth we consider an opportunity for service, not an occasion for boasting, and poverty no disgrace to confess, unless we are failing to do anything about it. . . .
For we alone call the man who keeps out of all this not inoffensive but ineffective. . .

Would you, for example, like to train to be a top echelon funeral celebrant? Would you like to enrich your own celebrant practice or your own personal development with one of our eight in-depth courses? If so, contact one of our tutors.

International College of Celebrancy Quality Education and Training for Celebrants - Why are these courses different and of extra benefit to you?
Because it is born from a belief in celebrancy

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.

International College of Celebrancy (Est.1995) DIPLOMA COURSES - Best Practice Celebrant Training and Education by dedicated Celebrant-Teachers. Capable educated celebrants creating for celebrants.

We are now ready to invite celebrants, clergy and others to study our updated
Module 1:THE HISTORY, NATURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF CEREMONY

International College of Celebrancy (Est.1995) DIPLOMA COURSES - Best Practice Celebrant Training and Education by dedicated Celebrant-Teachers. Capable educated celebrants creating for celebrants.

MARIANNE MACARTNEY celebrated in The Senior.
My good friend Marianne has been committed to high quality celebrancy practice for most of the past 50 years. She has done thousands of hours of voluntary service for her fellow celebrants.
Thank you from all of us, Marianne.

IN DEPTH FUNERAL SHORT COURSE

Join the Funeral Short Course by Celebrancy Training Australia,
in collaboration with the
International College of Celebrancy.

We invite you to a unique learning experience that fosters excellence in the delicate world of funeral celebrancy.


🌼 A Different Approach to Funeral Celebrancy:

Commitment to Completion: We’re not just about starting; we’re all about finishing. Your dedicated tutor/guide/mentor will encourage and support you every step of the way.

Independence Matters: We’re not affiliated with funeral directors or the government. We firmly believe that funeral celebrants are independent professionals who play a vital role in honouring the person who has died.

The Ceremony Matters Most: We share a profound belief that the heart of any funeral lies in the ceremony. Our mission is to empower you to craft meaningful, unforgettable ceremonies that truly honor the person and comfort the survivors.

📝 Personalised Assessment:

Beyond the checkboxes: We go beyond mere checkboxes. Every submission is meticulously reviewed by our dedicated team, who will provide you with valuable feedback. Your growth is our priority.

Learning Journal: We value your feedback too, and it’s an integral part of your learning journey. Our learning journal ensures a two-way dialogue for continuous improvement.

👂 The Art of Listening:

The funeral celebrant is a professional listener. We emphasise the importance of being a respectful, “professional listener.” Listening skills are essential to crafting deeply personal and meaningful ceremonies.

🎙️ Mastering the Craft:

Distinguishing Eulogies from Reminiscences: Understanding the nuances between eulogies and reminiscences is key to becoming an adept celebrant.

High Ideals and Attitudes: We encourage our students to embrace high ideals and attitudes, setting a standard of excellence.

Creative Writing and Public Speaking: While a short course cannot teach these skills in depth, we encourage you to develop skills in creative writing, public speaking, and clear diction.

Join us at Celebrancy Training Australia and embark on a journey to become a compassionate, skilled, and respected funeral celebrant. Together, we can guide you towards a level of competency that truly honours the person and comforts all those who experience deep grief. Enrol now and make a difference in the lives of others. Details of the course to prepare you as a funeral celebrant. More information and Enrolment Form.

Cost $1600


Enquiries: Dally: 0411 717 303, [email protected]


© Copyright [1995-2023] International College of Celebrancy
We accessed your address from the Attorney-Generals website which is available to all members of the public.
Unsubscribe • Update Email Address • View Online

Kate Armon and Craig Smith.
Mark O’ Connor, the distinguished poet, said that poems at funerals should be understood at the first reading. The cover of Poetry for Funerals by Kate Armon and Craig Smith calls it a unique collection of poems. I would prefer to call it a collection of unique poems. There is no such thing as a short cut to a good funeral....

Poetry for Funerals by Kate Armon and Craig Smith – Reviewed by Dally Messenger Mark O’ Connor, the distinguished poet, said that poems at funerals should be understood at the first reading. The cover of Poetry …

By Kate Armon and Craig Smith - Funeral Celebrants Description
Of the many funeral poems that have been written over the years, it is sometimes difficult to find one that truly reflects your loved one. Many traditional poems, while beautiful in nature and spirit, just don’t capture the essence of the person once known and loved by so many. Poetry for Funerals is a motivational and inspiring collection of 34 bespoke poems, written for funerals, by celebrant couple, Kate Armon and Craig Smith....

Poetry for Funerals By Kate Armon and Craig Smith – Funeral Celebrants Description Of the many funeral poems that have been written over the years, it is sometimes difficult to find one that truly reflects your …

Wishing everyone a safe and happy start to 2023. We can’t wait to see you in the New Year, it is going to be an exciting year for the College.

Friends
There are 10,000 celebrants out there. 8000 more than is needed.

Stephen Brook of the Age asked me what would I do if I was Attorney-General for two hours.
I would call in the best public servants I had and
---
-------------------------------------------------------
* I would show leadership and encouragement.


I would tell every single civil celebrant that their task is an important one. It is worthwhile and that every ceremony should be done really well.
*I would place a moratorium on all appointments indefinitely. 


The exceptions would be for truly outstanding candidates, and for geographical areas (very few) which need a celebrant, The law and/or regulations will need to be changed -- something that in the past has been done easily.

* Ask all celebrants whose heart is not in it, and who are not contributing, to resign.


Some sweetener would be needed here. One idea would be to refund the past five years of paid registration fees and the application fee.

*Encourage all celebrants to do the full range of ceremonies.


Issue media releases pointing out that celebrants can oblige the public with ceremonies for all significant events and enrich their communities by doing so.


Some examples:-


Birth - Namings

First Days of (School or Kindergarten)

Graduation (primary, secondary school, College, University).
Significant Birthdays

Engagements

Weddings

Commitment

Dedication of house
L
eaving a House

Death of a special pet

Reaffirmation of Vows3

Change of Career

Menopause

Retirement

Funerals


* Ask the Universities to restore the Graduate Diploma In Arts (Celebrancy)


Make it a “distinct advantage” for applicants in the future. This was taught at Victoria University from 1997 and was also a great success at Monash University until the public service so reduced the standard of entry to celebrant authorisation that person ceased to enrol.


It needs to include most of the following oriented to ceremonies.
--
Music

Poetry and Literature.

Storytelling

Myths

Choreography

Symbolism 

Diction and Public Speaking

Creative Writing (vows, personal story, eulogies etc)

The nature and importance of culture

The nature and Purpose of ceremony

The range of practical skills required.

Legal requirements for marriages.

* Defend and recommend an hourly rate for paying celebrants.


* Condemn unseemly and undignified cost cutting and competitiveness

* Free funeral celebrants from the control of Invocare and other Funeral Directors.

* Put in place an appointment system based on geographical need, interviews, short listing and careful selection by an independent panel.


.... and that is just for starters.

We will remember them.