Note: Due to the current pandemic situation, funeral services generally are being deferred. We are following the government requirements on gathering size and procedures, which may change.
Funeral Services
If you have just lost a loved one or have someone dear to you near the end. The following are questions which people have on how to proceed at this difficult time.
My mother is very near the end. Is there something we should be doing at this time?
Generally, people near the end of life are wanting spiritual comfort as well as physical and emotional comfort. Minister is available for visitations. A minister is available for visitations; please call 808-247-2661 for current information, including referral numbers.
What should we do when she dies?
A minister will arrive on request to conduct the bedside service (Makuragyo) on his/her passing. Bedside service can be conduct at the hospital, in your home, or at the mortuary.
What happens next?
If death occurs in the hospital, the hospital reports the death to the Board of Health and will make arrangements with the mortuary to have your loved one transported there for further family instructions. It is best to check his/her papers or with him/her while he/she is well as to whether he/she has a funeral plan. At this point, you will need to decide whether you would like to have him/her cremated or interred.
What do we need to consider as we plan the funeral service?
a) Venue: The family should decide where you would like to have the service. Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Mission can accommodate up to 85 people. For a larger funerals, you may want to use the mortuary's facilities.
b) Pre-funeral meeting with minister: Please call the temple to arrange for the meeting. Deceide how you would like to create the service program. Approximate the number of attendees and make arrangements with caterer. Here is the standard funeral format.
* Order and content of the service can be arranged according to the family wishes.
c) Flower: The funeral director at the mortuary or the temple can recommend a florist(s) depending on your needs, upon request.
If my mother is cremated, do we take the urn to the temple or the cemetery for burial?
The temple's Nokotsudo continues to accept urns. The Nokotsudo is open for regular office hours, 9 am to 5 pm, and by appointment made with the minister. To inter cremains in the Nokotsudo, fill out the application form attached to the Nokotsudo user's agreement. These documents are available at the temple office.
How do we express our gratitude to the minister and the temple?
There is no schedule of fees for the minister and the temple. Gratitude is personal. One envelope should be given to the minister and another to the temple. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call the temple for further asistance.
How often do we have memorial services and who should attend?
Memorial services are held on the following anniversary dates/year:
The memorial services are precious oppourtunities for family and friends to strengthen relationshios, and deepen their understanding of life through the Jodo Shinshu teachings.
