Introduction
The Funeral Service
The Book of Common Prayer At the Burial of the Dead | The Church of England
Series 1 An Order for the Burial of the Dead (Alternative Services: Series One) | The Church of England
Common Worship (2000)Funeral | The Church of England
Series 1 An Order for the Burial of the Dead (Alternative Services: Series One) | The Church of England
Common Worship (2000)Funeral | The Church of England
Funeral Options

A church funeral is available to anyone regardless of whether or not they were a member of the church or indeed baptised.
Funerals can take place in church, at the crematorium/cemetery chapel, at the funeral director's chapel of rest or at the graveside with a priest in attendance. At St Mary's music can be provided via the organ or downloaded and played through our sound system. Visual tributes may be provided via our digital projector.
Funerals can take place in church, at the crematorium/cemetery chapel, at the funeral director's chapel of rest or at the graveside with a priest in attendance. At St Mary's music can be provided via the organ or downloaded and played through our sound system. Visual tributes may be provided via our digital projector.
All Souls-tide
On 2nd November every year a Requiem Mass is offered for all the faithful departed.
The Annual Community Memorial service takes place on Remembrance Sunday every year at 1800hrs. This service is open to anyone who has been bereaved regardless of when the bereavement took place, where the person lived and indeed if they had a religious funeral. St Mary's is open for the Sea of Light every Sunday on November between 1800-1900hrs for quiet reflection. Memorial Candles in the Sea of Light are dedicated at this service. The candles burn at every service in the month of November and then for a full week of the donor's choice. This may be the anniversary of a death, a birthday, wedding anniversary or any other important date in the year. |
Direct Cremation
A direct cremation can be arranged in conjunction with a church funeral. Options include:
-A funeral service taking place in the chapel of rest
-A funeral service (with or without the coffin) taking place in church followed by an unattended direct cremation
-A funeral service (without the coffin) taking place in church after a direct cremation
A funeral service taking place at the cemetery for the burial of ashes
-A funeral service taking place in the chapel of rest
-A funeral service (with or without the coffin) taking place in church followed by an unattended direct cremation
-A funeral service (without the coffin) taking place in church after a direct cremation
A funeral service taking place at the cemetery for the burial of ashes
Bereavement Care and Remembering
Details of places of support can be found here: Pastoral Care - MY SITE (altoftschurch.org)
The Death of a Child
Bereavement Resources for Children
Floral Tributes and Donations

Floral tributes can be donated to church rather than be left at the crematorium and can rest by the Calvary Cross or inside church, regardless of whether the funeral was a Church of England funeral or not.
Donations for charities can be made by the funeral director's collection box either in church or at the crematorium.
Donations to the church in memory of a departed loved one can be made via the treasurer. [email protected]
Donations for charities can be made by the funeral director's collection box either in church or at the crematorium.
Donations to the church in memory of a departed loved one can be made via the treasurer. [email protected]
Cremated Remains |
Cremated Remains may be buried in the local cemetery in a cremated remains plot or in an existing family grave. If you would like a priest present for this service do let your funeral director know.
An interment can take place a few days after the funeral and the floral tributes from the funeral placed on the grave or can be laid to rest at a later date. Cremated Remains can rest in church between the cremation and the burial, (or until a final decision has been made) for those who would rather have their loved on resting in the village. This service is available regardless of whether the funeral was a Church of England funeral or not. |
Planning for the future
If you would like a copy of "Upon My Death" and record you advance wishes for your death and funeral please contact the parish office on 893110 If you would like to talk about end of life plans and funeral wishes please speak to the Vicar.
Please note that this is not a pre paid funeral plan. To prepay a funeral please speak to a funeral director. It is recommended that a solicitor is consulted when making end of life plans and that details are updated regularly or as family circumstances change. |
Local Cemeteries and Crematoria
The local cemeteries and crematoria are managed by Bereavement Services at Wakefield Council.
Click Arrange burial or cremation - Wakefield Council to find out more. A tour of Pontefract Crematorium: Pontefract Crematorium - YouTube A tour of Wakefield Crematorium: Wakefield Crematorium - YouTube |
Picking a Funeral Director
We work with all the local funeral directors and have a close relationship with them. If you are considering a Church of England funeral, please let your funeral director know at the point of making arrangements.
Normanton Funeral Directors: J D Burke 01924 892178 R J Burgess Funeral Directors 01924 894017 RJ Burgess Funeral Directors – Care Compassion Choice McTigue Funeral Directors 01924 898889 Castleford Funeral Directors Wakefield Funeral Directors |
Fees (2022)
Funeral Service taking place at a Cemetery or Crematorium Chapel £206.00
Funeral Service taking place at Church (with committal in Church) £206.00*
Funeral Service taking place in Chapel of Rest (with committal in Chapel) £206.00
Funeral Service taking place in Chapel of rest (followed by committal at Cemetery or Crematorium) £236.00
Funeral Service taking place at Church followed by committal at Cemetery or Crematorium £236.00*
*excludes local fees such as music, verger, heating etc.
In cases of genuine financial hardship it is possible to reduce or waive church fees. Please speak confidentially to your funeral director or the Vicar when making arrangements.
Funeral Service taking place at Church (with committal in Church) £206.00*
Funeral Service taking place in Chapel of Rest (with committal in Chapel) £206.00
Funeral Service taking place in Chapel of rest (followed by committal at Cemetery or Crematorium) £236.00
Funeral Service taking place at Church followed by committal at Cemetery or Crematorium £236.00*
*excludes local fees such as music, verger, heating etc.
In cases of genuine financial hardship it is possible to reduce or waive church fees. Please speak confidentially to your funeral director or the Vicar when making arrangements.