The Sylvan Lake Funeral Home invites the community to a Candlelight Service of Remembrance Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
This is where community members will gather to light a candle and remember a loved one who has passed away.
The service is held at Christmas time to help families grieve the loss of a loved one through the holiday season said funeral attendant John Flinn.
“It’s to reach out and help them through the tough times in December and around Christmas time and the holidays,” he said.
He added Christmas is a difficult time of year for families who have experienced losing a loved one.
Flinn said when people in attendance light a candle it helps them to remember the fun times they had with family and friends.
“It brings them back together to remember the loved ones,” he said. “It helps families out.”
He said it helps people close a chapter and possibly open up a new one in their lives.
To honour and remember those who have passed, the funeral home sets up a screen with the list of the names of the loved one’s who have passed way.
There is also special music playing, meant to help people through their mourning.
The difference between this service and a funeral is at a funeral everybody is dressed up, but this candle light service it is more relaxed with more of a Christmas theme.
Flinn describes the overall atmosphere of the chapel during this service as being a feeling of love.
Having lost a family member himself, he came to the service previously and said it always feels nice and warm.
“I came here and it’s relaxed and I saw my aunt’s name,” Flinn said. “It’s really nice, warm and welcoming and no pressure. It’s just to come here and be with otherpeople that lost their loved ones.”
There is roughly 60 people that attend the service, but Flinn said the attendance depends on the weather. He said many people will show up if the weather is good, butattendance may be lacking if the weather is too cold.
Flinn said he has heard a lot of positive feedback from people who have attended the service and said there are a lot of families who keep coming year after year.
After the service attendees are invited next door to a fellowship with coffee and other treats at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church next door.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com