The Huronia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Celebrations and Memorials
Rituals are a deep human need practised by all cultures throughout human history.
We have always done them because they are effective. They bring joy, solemnize promises, alleviate grief, facilitate change and give comfort. Weddings, Funerals, Celebrations of Life, Child Dedications, House Blessings, Pet Memorials, and other ceremonies mark important passages in our lives.
Unitarian Universalist Lay Chaplains are trained to work with you to design a specific ceremony to meet your and your loved ones needs. Together, you and your lay chaplain will define the elements you want in your rite of passage and work together to create a personal and memorable event.
The Huronia Unitarian Fellowship has two Lay Chaplains Ontario - licensed to perform weddings and work with couples and families to create a meaningful sacred ceremony to celebrate and commemorate life transitions.
Vyvyenne Ritchie
Raised and educated in Toronto, Vyvyenne Ritchie worked for many years in Maine as Nurse Practitioner and public health leader. After retiring, she returned to Ontario, now living in Severn where she enjoys giving back as a volunteer with many local organizations.
Vyvyenne at 207-907-4772
Luci Dilkus
Hello! I am an Expressive Arts Therapist, a mixed media artist, a lay chaplain and licensed marriage officiant (Ontario). I was born in Toronto and spent most of my life there but now reside with my husband Anton Pickard, in Simcoe County near the shores of Nottawasaga Bay. I can facilitate a variety of services including marriages, funerals/memorials, pet memorials, relationship commitment ceremonies, child naming, home blessing, significant life changes/milestones, etc.
Let's talk about your plans.
You can contact me at huufinfo@gmail.com or, shorelinestherapeuticarts@gmail.com
If you are interested in our approach to the many joys and challenges of life, please contact us at huufinfo@gmail.com
Unitarian Wedding Ceremony
Huronia Unitarian Fellowship believes that love, friendship, support and commitment are the touchstones of every marriage. A Unitarian wedding ceremony honours the commitment of two unique people on their life journey and celebrates the joining of families and the blessing of their future together. Our Fellowship's Lays Chaplains will work with you to create a ceremony that expresses your deepest intentions. Our Lay Chaplains have a wide variety of readings, samples services and many suggestions. Your services will be relevant and reflect your personal beliefs and desires. Your own choice of readings and words will be incorporated into your unique service. Your ceremony can be performed at your desired location.
Memorials
Partner with our Lay Chaplain to pay tribute to the person you are honouring - personality, interests, what she/he was most proud
of accomplishing. We want to help you and your family through this difficult time by creating a ceremony that will allow you to start your journey of grieving in your own best possible way.
Even in situations where a death occurred some time ago but was never formally commemorated we can help you create a memorial service to properly recognize and celebrate your loved one’s life. We can suggest and incorporate readings and prayers from a range of religious and contemporary sources that are comforting and uplifting for you and your family. We can often deliver service in a special place that is meaningful or that was special to your loved one.
Baby Naming/ Child Dedications
Unitarian Universalists believe that every child brings new life and hope into the world. A child dedication is a special time for your community to bless a child, make a commitment to help her/him develop to her/his full potential, and celebrate the gift of life. Ceremonies of Dedication and naming can take different forms, reflecting each individual family’s beliefs and wishes.
House Blessings
Blessings symbolize the start of a new journey for you and your family in your sacred dwelling so that all who enter your home feel peace and love.
Pet Memorials
In the Spirit of Love and Remembrance, we mourn and honour our four-legged or feathered friends in a way that will assist in your mourning and healing.
Our Commitment
Our Huronia Unitarian Fellowship Lay Chaplain Vyvyenne Ritchie will strive to provide ceremonies steeped in sacred performance meant to reflect the needs, aspirations and personalities of the individuals they serve. The Unitarian community encourages an individual’s search for truth and meaning. We also honour the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, so we take pride and pleasure in being able to sit down with you and express all that you desire.