Prepared for members of Saint Boniface Church
Rector's note: Planning to teach a class on end of life issues and the media debate about national insurance and physician advice, I took a break and went for a swim. First I lay in the sun to rest, and looking up saw the neighborhood vultures in the afternoon thermals and thought "That's not a plan, I'd better get moving..." As it turns out, about 70% of us have done less planning than that, so read on for more ideas. After all, it's your funeral!
After your've worked through this on your own, please contact one of the staff clergy with follow up questions.
Things you will find helpful:
Funeral Planning Sheet: best completed on a bright sunny day and after a consult with one of the staff. A copy should be filed with your likely next of kin and the church office.
Click here for a printable version.
Information from the not for profit Funeral Consumers Alliance: Membership gives you access to pre-planned funeral arrangements of your choice at a reasonable cost. The clergy can help you with this; giving you questions to ask yourselves and loved ones who may be carrying out your wishes. Access the Funeral Consumers Alliance on line at
www.funerals.org or contact the Sarasota chapter at 941-953-3740.
Health Care Advance Directives from the State of Florida: Your chance to make a living will and to appoint health care surrogates. These should be copied and kept handy, given to your doctor and other health providers, and your health care surrogates. Update them regularly. Access yours from
www.myFlorida.com (search for "Health Care Directives") or call the rector's administrative assistant to print a copy for you in the Boniface office, 349 5616 x 320.
