Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2020-05-12T03:46:04+00:00
What is a Pre-Paid funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

A Pre-paid Funeral Plan is when you arrange and purchase your funeral in advance – and at today’s prices. You make all the important decisions yourself, and take the emotional and financial burden away from your family. At Christian Funerals of Sydney we can assist you in planning your funeral and arrange a Pre-paid Funeral Plan.

What is a Pre-Arranged funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

A Pre-arranged Funeral Service is when the details of the service are arranged prior to the time of a loved one’s death, but no money is paid until the time of the funeral. This is often helpful when a family member is very elderly or suffering from a terminal illness. Christian Funerals of Sydney offer this service, to give families peace of mind in knowing that all the details have been taken care of.

What determines the cost of a funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

You and your family do. A funeral can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire. Preplanning your funeral can help control costs. By making decisions ahead of time, you avoid making choices at a time when your emotions are heightened. It also provides an opportunity to set aside funds that can be used to pay for part or all of the future service. We can work with you to design a personalized tribute that meets your financial needs.

Is it possible to plan a funeral in advance?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

We recommend that everyone preplan his or her own funeral. Doing so can offer emotional and financial security for both you and your family. By preplanning a funeral you will get the kind of service you want and your family will be unburdened from making decisions at a stressful time. Preplanning doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying. If you are considering preplanning your funeral, please contact us for more information.

What role does the funeral director fill?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

Your funeral director is there to help you through a very difficult time in your life. He will listen and counsel you, help you to plan a tribute and manage the details of the day. Based on information you share about your wishes and details about your loved one, he is able to offer guidance and help you coordinate a very personal tribute that honors the life of your loved one.

He can guide you through planning the service; complete necessary paperwork; coordinate doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others to make your funeral experience as seamless as possible. But he will also listen to your stories about your loved one, answer your questions on grief, link you to support groups and recommend sources of professional help. By acting as an experienced source for support and guidance, a professional, ethical funeral director can provide you with relief during one of your greatest times of need.

Should children attend the funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

It is often helpful for children to attend the funeral service as they need to say good-bye in the same way as adults. However, this decision is a personal one and is ultimately up to the parents or guardian.

How do I arrange my own funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

In arranging your own funeral you are able to determine and personalise the details of the funeral. It is a matter of telephoning your funeral director and letting them know the answers to the many questions that they will put to you. Christian Funerals of Sydney has an excellent brochure to assist you in this regard. It is called “Making Your Wishes Known” and is available free of charge by telephoning us or sending an email to info@hillsfamilyfunerals.com.au.

What happens to the coffin when a body is cremated?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

The coffin is cremated along with the body.

What is embalming?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

Embalming is the process of chemically preserving the body. Usually there is no need to embalm. However, this procedure may be required if the funeral is to be delayed or perhaps the deceased is to be repatriated overseas or for above ground burials as in a crypt or vault.

Should we have a viewing?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

Viewing the deceased is purely optional and the decision is a personal one. It may be used as a time to say good-bye or perhaps reflect on special memories. A viewing can also assist the bereaved to face the realities of death. However, some families may prefer to remember their loved one as they were.

What is the purpose of a funeral?2020-05-12T03:41:10+00:00

A funeral is an important step in the grieving process, as well as an opportunity to honor a life lived. It offers surviving family members and friends a caring, supportive environment in which to share thoughts and feelings about the death. Often a funeral is the first step in the healing process.