Each year, on the third Saturday in September, our Cathedral holds a special service for all who have experienced the death of a child, whatever their age and whatever the cause.  This service is titled ‘Remembering Together, and details for 2022 are included.

As a society, we struggle with death at any age, and nowhere is this more evident than the death of a child.  The birth of a child is supposed to be a time of hope.  As our children grow, we invest ourselves in their future.  Child loss confronts us all with vulnerability and our society is not at home with this confrontation.  Although official practice has improved greatly in recent years, a heavy shroud of silence still surrounds such loss for many.

Grieving parents need to talk; in their own time and on their own terms.  This may be soon after the event, it may be years later; we are all different.  Grief is not something we recover from, but it is a reality we can learn to live with.  Remembering Together is an opportunity to share with others grieving for a lost child; whatever the age of the child, however long ago; an opportunity to talk with others or simply sit in companionable silence.  We who lead the service are all walking that path of grief ourselves.

I recognise that this piece may have opened old wounds, past hurts, unacknowledged pain.  If you wish to talk further, please do contact me.  Alternatively, I can provide details for other helpful contacts.

Rev’d Philip Payne

The Notice Sheet for 14 August 22 can be found here