Rites of Passage mark the major transitions in life. In the traditional Christian church these rites include the sacraments of birth, marriage, and death. In the Unitarian Universalist faith, these transitions are observed in both traditional and updated ways as follows:

Child Dedication

There are few events in life as joyful as welcoming a baby into the world. Unitarian Universalist parents usually choose a Child Dedication ceremony to honor the new life that has graced their own. Family members such as siblings, grandparents, and other relatives, close friends, and godparents if chosen can participate. If done in witness of the congregation, say during a Sunday service, a Child Dedication allows the faith community to commit to uphold and support new parents in their role as moral guides and religious educators to their children.

Child dedication ceremonies are usually crafted by the parents, the congregation’s minister, and religious educator working closely together. Many will include the following elements:

A blessing for the new life of the child
An expression of the parent or parents’ hopes for the child
A promise by the congregation to support and nurture the child

If you are interested in a Child Dedication cerermony for your infant or child, please contact Reverend Kathy at [email protected]

Marriage, Commitment or Union Ceremonies

Wedding services are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love of two individuals who have chosen to come together in marriage.

Because of our strong respect for each person’s beliefs and values, each wedding is custom-crafted with a couple to reflect their personalities and relationship. This respect and our flexibility enable Unitarian Universalist ministers to be skilled officiants for interfaith weddings, atheist weddings, and weddings for those with Unitarian Universalism’s diverse beliefs.

In addition to blessing heterosexual unions, Unitarian Universalist congregations and ministers joyfully bless same-sex marriages. Unitarian Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people and have a long history of promoting equal rights of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).

If you are seeking an officiant for your marriage, commitment, or union, please contact Reverend Kathy at [email protected] . Please note that Reverend Kathy requires pre-marital counseling which is included in her fee schedule. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a date.

Memorial Services and Funerals

Services to honor loved ones who have passed on are often very personal occasions. In Unitarian Universalist congregations, these services are developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to specially honor the memory of that individual. The service might include the following elements:

A eulogy
Poems and other readings
Prayer or meditation
A time to remember the deceased with stories and memories
Hymn singing or other music
A time for personal reflection

If you would like an officiant to preside over a memorial or funeral for your loved one, please contact Reverend Kathy at [email protected]