With you at the most difficult times…
If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one and needing spiritual guidance and care it would be my honour to help you.
From a listening ear, a thoughtful prayer or a meaningful funeral or memorial service respecting whatever style and tone of service you and your loved ones feel would be most fitting. Please get in touch. We are not a business, I do not charge for my services.
In Spain, organising a funeral can be overwhelming, especially given the speed at which things happen, often with a funeral taking place within 24 hours. Nevertheless, I always try to offer my services wherever possible – from helping you with the Tanatorio to of course delivering a personal and fitting service.
Reverend Steven will assist you in ensuring that your loved one´s funeral is exactly the perfect way to say goodbye, celebrate their life and join together at this difficult time.
In the event of the loss of a loved one please make contact urgently to confirm availability. If availability is not a problem then I will organise to meet with you either in person, by telephone or, in the event that time restraints don´t permit we can even hold a video call. I do prefer to meet the family, or at least the closest members of the family in person.
During our meeting it is a time for me to listen, care and gather all of the information needed to ensure that the order or service meets exactly with your requirements. Whether you want a traditional religious ceremony, a celebration of life or any other style of service.
Please, reach out and get in touch. Remember that I make no charge for my services relating to funerals or pastoral care.
Funeral Services Frequently Asked Questions
What to do when someone dies in Spain?
This will depend on a number of things, firstly if the person was resident in Spain, also if they had insurance and so on.
I am very happy to offer advice but please remember that I am not qualified and can only offer general guidance.
If your loved one has passed away in hospital they will usually be able to look after them for a day or two whilst you organise things but do remember that in Spain, generally funerals happpen faster than you may be used to in the UK or other countries – usually within 24 hours.
The Tanatorio will make a charge per day to look after your loved one so it´s important to ensure you follow the right procedure but generally it is the Tanatorio (funeral home) who would make the arrangements.
If your loved one held a funeral plan or insurance then you should speak to the insurers first.
Are you available to conduct a funeral service?
I always try to be within the restraints of other comitments. Please contact me as soon as possible so that I can advice. Also, if we speak and if I am avaialble and you wish for me to carry out the funeral, you must advise the Tanatorio as such. I am happy to help you with translations or dealings with them if you wish.
What are your fees for a funeral service?
I don´t make any charges for any of my religious or pastoral services and work on a voluntary basis. Please keep this in mind when you check your final invoice from the Tanatorio as there should be no fee for the ceremony (although they may charge for the use of their facilities) if I carry out the service.
Many people ask where they can donate money to in lue of the fee which would usually be charged by a priest. I always answer the same that there are many animal shelters in need throughout the Costa Blanca and they would welcome any donation but this is always at your discretion.
Are you a qualified Priest?
I am ordained by the ULC Ministeries (EE.UU) although I do not work for them or represent them. I work as an independent volunteer minister.
I am not associasted with the Roman Catholic Church, the Spanish Evangelical Church (FEREDE), or any religious entity and I carry out funeral services and other religious ceremonies in Spain under the protection of the Spanish Constitution (Article 16) and Organic Law 7/1980 on Religious Freedom.
What "denomination" are you?
I have a CofE upbringing and background although my Ordainment with the ULC allows me to minister inependently and I am not a CofE priest.
I am a Christian and I carry out funeral services however you wish for them to be carried out in line with what your loved one and your family prefer. This can be from a traditional Anglican format service through to a more contemporary style or a simple celebration of life. I am happy to discuss this with you and ensure that your loved ones funeral is tailored exactly as they would have wanted and how you wish for it to go ahead.
Where is your Church?
As an independent minister I do not have a physical church (we are looking to establish a physical presence in the future). Most Tanatorios (Funeral Homes) provide a beautiful area for funeral services which is where I will usually attend. Other options can be discussed if you have preferences.
Do you attend the burial or cremation?
This is down to the individual wishes of each family. I am happy to carry out the funeral and then a final blessing or “comital” at the same time or at the place of burial or cremation. I am also happy to attend for the scattering of ashes is desired.
Do I have to accept the priest offered by the Tanatorio?
You have complete freedom to choose who carries out the service of your loved one. Whilst the Tanatorio will make the religious arrangements from their list of priests if you wish, you also have every right to inform them that you wish to have the ceremony conducted by anyone you wish.
Will we meet you beforehand?
Of course. As soon as you make contact and subject to my availabiliity which we will confirm in the same moment, it is fundamental for me and for you that your loved ones ceremony is not just “off the shelf”. I will always meet with the family and where for whatever reason there are restrictions or it is not possible we will speak or organise a video call.
Can you attend the hospital when we know our loved ones time is close?
Always make contact with me to confirm availability but as long as I am available then I am of course able to attend the hospital for a blessing, time of reflection or whatever you and your loved one require.
Which areas do you cover?
I am based in the Costa Blanca South but will always try to accomodate your needs regardless of location. I may politely request you to cover travel costs if I have to travel far. This would be limited to my out of pocket direct expenses only.
