Milestone Ceremonies
The innovative and forward thinking concept of Milestone Ceremonies has been devel-oped by the Irish Ethical Celebrants Society of which I am a member. Ethical Celebrants provide a modern ap-proach to traditional ceremonies, while always respecting the importance of ritual and ceremony in Irish culture.
Many parents are seeking secular, non- religious ceremonies such as Stepping Stone and Coming of Age ceremonies as a meaningful way to celebrate and mark important transitions in life.
There is a need and desire for alternative ceremonies to first communion and confirmation ceremonies for children of all faiths and none. These Ceremonies are designed to focus on children who may feel excluded, and are created in an atmosphere of love, support and celebration outside the confines of organised religion.
I create a meaningful and memorable Ceremony to mark these Milestones in the community with family and friends.
The Ceremonies focus’s on primary school children and young adults and can also be tailored to children who are being home-schooled. In the interest of inclusivity children who are receiving communion or confirmation can also participate as an addition to these religious ceremonies. The Ceremonies are created with meaningful Ceremony Enhancements.
Stepping Stone Ceremonies
Stepping Stone Ceremonies are for children typically aged 7 – 8 years old and in 2nd class. At this age children are more inquisitive, independent, responsible, aware of their community, and developing social awareness.
In Creating each Ceremony I engage with the parents and children to ascertain their needs and desires and what they would like to be included in the Ceremony.
Consideration is given to the children, the family, the wider community, the type of celebration, the environment, culture heritage and family traditions whilst respecting and understanding the following:
- Each child’s heritage, cultures and traditions.
- The children’s clubs, interests and hobbies,
- The family structure
- The children’s / families involvement in the community
- What the children / family like to do to have fun
- What is important to the children / family
- The children’s environmental awareness
Coming of Age Ceremony
Coming of Age Ceremonies are for young adults typically aged 12 – 13 years old and in 6th class. At this age the young adults are becoming independent, questioning, reasonably responsible, seeking support / mentorship in their preparation to transition from primary school to secondary school.
A Coming of Age Ceremony is a way to support, honour, encourage and celebrate young adults who are stepping into adolescence or teenagers moving into adulthood and becoming spiritually mature and socially aware.
In Creating each Ceremony I engage with the parents and young adults to ascertain what they would like to be included in the Ceremony.
Consideration is given to the children, the family, the wider community, friendships and the nature of changing friendships, the type of celebration, the environment, culture, heritage and family traditions whilst respecting and understanding the following:
- Each child’s heritage, cultures and traditions.
- The children’s clubs, interests and hobbies,
- The family structure
- The children’s / families involvement in the community
- What the children / family like to do to have fun
- What is important to the children / family
- The children’s environmental awareness
- Encouraging and strengthening friendships and new friendships
- The young persons understanding of wider societal issues and wish to help change / improve things.
All of the Ceremonies are created with meaningful Ceremony Enhancements created with the children.
Please feel free to call me to discuss.
Rev Breda