INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL HOME
SPONSORED CONTENT
Prepared for a More Secular World
Funeral service has always been tied to religious ceremony and traditions . Who remembers the “ Catholic funeral home ” or the “ Protestant funeral home ” or the “ Jewish funeral home ” locally ? The ties that bind both the religion and the funeral home are becoming a bit looser . Spirituality isn ’ t going out of style . How it is expressed , however , is rapidly changing .
Here are some numbers from the Pew Research Center : Currently , 43 % of U . S . adults identify with Protestantism , down from 51 % in 2009 . 20 % are Catholic , down from 23 %. The religiously unaffiliated population – a group also known as religious “ nones ” – have seen their numbers swell . Self-described atheists now account for 4 % of U . S . adults , up from 2 %; agnostics make up 5 % of U . S . adults , up from 3 %; and 17 % of Americans now describe their religion as “ nothing in particular ,” up from 12 % in 2009 . Members of non-Christian religions also have grown modestly as a share of the adult population .
So , what does this all mean ?
For us , our firm and staff prepared for anything a family wants in order to honor their loved one . Our facility has the space ( 9000 square feet ), the technology ( music system , PA , video upload , high speed Wi-Fi ), outside staff ( Certified Funeral Celebrant , various clergy , videographer ), in-house staff ( licensed Funeral Directors , funeral attendants ) and optional services ( musicians , vocalists , dove release , photo album video ) to be respectful of the sacredness of death , spirituality , caring for survivors in transition , supporting our community in grief and caring for the deceased .
The space in our facility is very flexible . It is a blank palate to commemorate your loved one in the way that they chose or the way you are choosing . This is why we have effectively handled the funerals of Protestants , Catholics , Jews , Hindus , Buddhists , Moslems , Spiritualists , Native Americans and the “ nones ”. We understand that “ non-religious ” does not mean a lack of spirituality , values or beliefs .
Our staff is consistently training to adhere to religious traditions , beliefs and rituals as well as offering spiritual services . We communicate with the family as to what they want and require for services . Respect is given regardless of anyone ’ s spiritual beliefs . We do not judge .
COVID has changed how different funeral rituals and tradition were handled . Many families were simply not able to have the services they wanted or expected . Funerals changed to reflect what was allowed under COVID restrictions . Many of our services were live-streamed on the internet , uploaded on the obituary on our website or shared on social media . Some churches webcast funerals live which were then uploaded on our website . Many services went outside . We hosted funeral services under our carport , in parks and cemeteries .
Whether a service is religious , secular , spiritual or a combination of each , our staff and beautiful facility can accommodate . Visit www . permanfuneralhome . com to take a virtual tour and see how Perman Funeral Home can meet your service needs .
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman , FD , Supervisor , CFSP , CPC , CCO , CFC . He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc ., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt . 8 in Shaler Township . Mr . Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most personal , affordable and memorable decisions . Inquiries may be made to him at 412.486.3600 or emailed to frank @ permanfuneralhome . com .
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