Life Beyond the Classroom

The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2025, triggered the realisation that in my previous life I’d have spent the last day of the holidays (my husband still works in Education) writing an assembly on the extraordinary life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio ready for the return to school.  This led to more reflection on the difference between my old life and my life now.

Catrina Young - Independent Celebrant

The transition from teacher to celebrant has been hugely satisfying.  Lucky enough to be able to retire from teaching, I relish the fact that I am only working part-time as a celebrant.  My working week is unrecognisable including, as it does, time for daily walks, coffee meet-ups with friends and more;  I've even started making bread! Although I can no longer predict time off as accurately as used to be the case, I noticed at Christmas that I embarked on the holiday period with more energy and enthusiasm than the end of the longest term in the academic year used to allow.  Although I often work at weekends, I don’t mind this at all - firstly because I love the work and secondly because sometimes I get to enjoy a three day weekend; the flexibility in my new role is wonderful. I continue to learn - every ceremony I create is another lesson in listening and responding to clients and in developing my creativity.  The Celebrants’ Retreat that I attended in March was hugely rewarding both professionally and personally and 'The Artist’s Way' course that I completed during the first 12 weeks of 2025 was enlightening. 

I was lucky enough to connect with the Funeral Director J. Stamps & Sons early in my new career and have been honoured to work for them regularly in the months since as well as starting to establish myself with other local FDs.  I always knew funerals would most likely be a staple in my ceremony repertoire but I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting the level of reward and fulfillment that I've found in creating, writing and delivering funeral services.  The opportunity to celebrate a life well lived or support a family through the hardest of times is an extraordinary honour.  I have also enjoyed creating weddings, naming ceremonies and vow renewals and was delighted to have the honour of creating a Family Blessing.  I am excited to do more of these and other ceremonies in the coming months.

Thank you!

I have been supremely grateful to receive some beautiful feedback from clients and other professionals.  In the case of funerals, the fact that families so often find time to write, text or phone their thanks for my work at such a desperate time, amazes me but is hugely appreciated.  With weddings, namings etc. I usually get to know people over several months which is privilege and joy. I am careful to respect people's privacy and only ever publicise feedback with the express permission of those involved.

The establishment of the Leicestershire Celebrants’ Forum is a highlight achievement of my first six months.  We are a group of celebrants who believe that cooperation is better than competition;  meeting over coffee and cake and supporting each other online, the group is an invaluable resource.  I am delighted to be organising my first Death Cafe for my local community which will fulfill another ambition for my new working model; to contribute to my community in ways beyond the provision of ceremonies.  If you haven't heard of a Death Cafe, do please read my blog explaining the intitiative - it's much better than it sounds!

The beauty of sunflowers.

It’s fair to say, I am loving this new stage of life and my role as an Independent Celebrant.  The first months have been a whirlwind of new challenges and opportunities and I am relishing each and every one.  Next job…master TikTok!!!

By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led celebrant, Marking Life’s Moments.

© Hardingstone Ceremonies, May, 2025