Remembrance service for family of deceased children
A service of remembrance will be held next month for families who have sadly experienced the death of a child.
This remembrance service is a multi-denominational service and is being organised by the children’ services at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and previously at the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) now amalgamated with CUH.
One of the organisers, Tyrone Horne, Clinical Nurse Co-Ordinator for Children with Life Limiting Conditions CUH, said: “The death of a child is a devastating experience for parents and family members. This multi-denominational service of remembrance provides an opportunity for the hospital community to come together with parents and families to remember their child, to offer support and to comfort one-another at what will be a reflective ceremony.
“It will comprise of harmonious readings and music. There will be an opportunity for families to present a decorated keepsake, light candles in memory of their child, write an inscription in the book of remembrance, and to spend some reflective time with other families who share the same journey.”
Julianne Crowley, Chaplin in CUH, said: “Previous services have been reported as a great success providing uplifting experiences for both families and staff. The event revealed to families how much the children meant to the staff, and to staff the difference they made to these families during a most vulnerable and difficult time.”
The service will take place on Friday 7 March at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church on Western Road, across from AIB.
All parents, families and children are invited to attend this special service, which is returning to an in-person service, following the Covid online service. However, the service will remain available to view online as a recording, for those who cannot attend and for families and friends who live further away.
The service is for any family whose child has died no matter the circumstance or period. Specific invites are however sent to families who have been bereaved within a certain timeframe.
Families who have been bereaved outside this timeframe are also most welcome and can contact the team on the below email. They will then receive a keepsake heart that will be part of the service if desired; keepsake hearts will also be available during on the night.
Parents and families will be invited to join with hospital staff and other parents for light refreshments in the adjoining parish centre at the end of the ceremony. There will be activities provided for children who attend too.