• Arranging a Catholic Funeral

    There are a number of details that differentiate a catholic funeral from other types of funeral services. According to catholic funeral tradition, once the body is placed in the casket, a crucifix should be placed in the lid of the casket. Typically a kneeling rail is placed in front of the casket so that friends and family can kneel down next to the casket and say a prayer. To learn more about the unique features of catholic funeral services, watch the video clip.

    At Chapel of the Chimes, we have more than 100 years of experience arranging funeral services in Oakland . To learn more about how we can arrange a catholic funeral for your loved one, give us a call at (510) 654-0123 or visit our website.

  • Jazz at the Chimes – January 18, 2015

    Jazz at the Chimes 1-18-15

    Join us on Sunday, January 18th, at 2 p.m. for Jazz at the Chimes featuring the Erik Jekabson Quintet.

    Admission:

    • General admission – $15
    • Seniors & student admission – $10

    Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash only), and the box office opens at 12:30 p.m. For  more information , call (510) 654-0123 or email chimesjazz@gmail.com.

  • The Basics of Funeral Etiquette

    Being tactful and sensitive is a very important part of honoring the deceased at a funeral service. If you are preparing to attend a funeral, it’s important to know about some of the basics of funeral etiquette so that you don’t offend the deceased’s family or friends. At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, one of the leading funeral homes in Oakland , we recommend familiarizing yourself with the following basics of funeral etiquette.

    The Basics of Funeral Etiquette - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland

    Condolence Visit

    If you are a family member or a close friend of the deceased’s family, it’s proper funeral etiquette to pay a visit to their home to express your condolences. When you visit, bring something for the family to eat. Grieving families are usually so busy and disoriented that they do not find time to eat. You could also offer to run errands for the family or watch over the kids for a bit. Unless the family seems like they need some company, do not stay too long during the condolence visit.

    Wake

    The wake takes place before the funeral service and oftentimes takes place in the evening. If you cannot attend the funeral, go to the wake to offer your support for the family of the deceased. Typically the wake is held at a funeral home or the family’s home. Unless you are close to the family of the deceased, be sure to tell the family how you know the deceased to avoid confusion.

    Post-Funeral Lunch

    This is more light-hearted than the funeral. It’s the time to share memories about the deceased. Whether you attend the lunch or not, be sure to follow up with the family of the deceased in the weeks and months following the funeral.

    If you are planning a funeral or attending one in the near future, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can help. We are one of the most beautiful funeral homes in Oakland. Call us at (510) 654-0123 or visit our website to learn more about our funeral services and cremation services. 

  • Mandela Monument Design Competition Draws Hundreds of Submissions

    SAN MATEO, Calif. – Nov. 7, 2014 – Nearly 200 design entries were submitted for the creation of a permanent monument honoring the life of the late Nelson Mandela.  Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park  and  Chapel of the Chimes  partnered with the  Nelson Mandela Foundation  and the Oakland chapter of the  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People  (NAACP) on the contest which was open to all U.S. residents over 13 years of age and closed in mid-October. By Dec. 31, 2014, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will announce the winning memorial designer’s name, along with the date of the unveiling ceremony which will take place in summer 2015. Skylawn will construct the winning design and permanently host the monument at its park in San Mateo.

    Nelson Mandela Monument

    Hundreds of architects, artists and students from across the country honored Mandela’s contributions to world peace, human rights, social justice and democracy through their designs. The competition judges were touched by the deeply personal impact the creative process had on the designers. Many cited the process as a way to truly understand the importance of humility and Mandela’s legacy.

    Read more here .

  • Talking to Your Children About Death

    Goodbye

    Whether we want to believe it or not, children are aware of death. They see dead animals, birds, and insects on the side of the road. They see death on television and read about it in books. Death is a part of everyday life, and all children are aware of this on some level. You may experience hesitation and discomfort when talking to your children about death, and that’s okay. Children are observers, so they will be able to read the discomfort on your face and in your body language. That is why it is important not to be avoidant. Instead, maintain openness around the subject. Be sensitive to your children’s desires to talk and welcome any questions they have. When answering those questions, find truthful but simple and age-appropriate responses to give them.

    For more tips on talking to your children about death, visit Chapel of the Chimes online, where we have a variety of resources that can help you. Chapel of the Chimes is a leading funeral home in Oakland that offers cremation services and a large cemetery. Call us at (510) 654-0123 for more information.

  • Debunking Common Myths About Grief

    There are as many ways to grieve as there are people in this world. But surprisingly, there are many false beliefs about what the grieving process should and should not look like. At Chapel of the Chimes, one of the leading funeral homes in Oakland , we urge you to read this blog to find out the truth about healing and grieving. 

    Depressed blond man

    Ignoring Pain Makes it Go Away Faster

    Ignoring pain will only make the grieving process longer and harder. Instead of trying to keep your pain from surfacing, you must face your grief and deal with it in order to heal. It can be unbelievably hard to handle the pain by yourself. Reach out to friends, family members, a professional counselor, or a figure in your religious community for help when you are ready.

    Being Strong Helps You Get Over Your Loss

    Sadness, fear, and loneliness are all very natural reactions to loss. Crying can help you face the grief and pain you experience—it does not mean you are weak. Showing your true feelings and experiencing their entirety will help your grieving process and that of your friends and family.

    Grief Lasts One Year At Most

    Some people start to feel better in a matter of weeks or months, while others take years. There is no right or wrong amount of time for the grieving process because it differs greatly from person to person.

    If You Don’t Cry, It Means You Don’t Care

    Crying is one way to respond to sadness, but it is not the only way. In fact, many people feel a very deep sense of sadness and loss but never cry. Each person is different in how they show their feelings.

    If you grieving and need to talk to somebody, visit Chapel of the Chimes Oakland online, where you will find 24/7 grief support services. We are one of the leading funeral homes and cremation service providers in Oakland and Northern California. Call us at (510) 654-0123 for more information.