This book is dedicated to the above-mentioned and to all practising and aspiring celebrants who have been entrusted with the gift of responsibility and professional duty of composing and conducting each beautiful and meaningful funeral service. It is a privilege and honour to wear the title of Funeral Celebrant.The main purpose of this book is to provide practising and aspiring celebrants a selection of poems, prose and phrases to assist with every manner of a loved one's passing. There are passages for the elderly, middle-aged, teenagers, babies, tragic occurrences, suicides and lonely; those who cut themselves off from society; those without family and those affected by illnesses and drugs. It provides tributes from husbands and wives, tributes from sons and daughters, grandchildren and those who served in the forces, together with religious readings and prayers. It is not a working reference manual similar to the 'Funeral Celebrants Handbook'; however, it complements it with a myriad of appropriate alternative passages that challenge funeral celebrants to be proactive in providing a choice of enhanced funeral rites. How often does a celebrant use the same tired dialogue avoiding words that might sound flowery or archaic, yet whose meaning, depth of understanding, empathy and beauty, bring solace, comfort and sense of closure to the bereaved? No doubt when preparing and conducting a service, celebrants all have their own styles, creativity and sensitivity in the final presentation. This book of passages is not meant to change one's own unique technique, but to offer an abundance of alternative or inspirational choices.Being mindful of order and clarity the author has endeavoured to keep this large selection of poems, prose and readings uncluttered. Accordingly he has placed appropriate passages under specific headings. The headings are in similar order and sequence to 'The Funeral Celebrant's Handbook' commencing with the Introduction and culminating with the Committal and Benediction. The author hopes this work will inspire and encourage his fellow celebrants to aspire to greater heights of excellence in offering a meaningful service to provide comfort, understanding and peace to the bereaved.As the Master, Dally Messenger, said, 'The main challenge is the development of the culture by the best use of poetry, prose, music and symbols from all sources. Ultimately this must result in a much improved quality of marking and celebrating important occasions.' This book is also targeted to assist any individuals wishing to participate in a funeral ceremony, so they too may appropriately select material for individual and specific circumstances. Poetry has historically expressed one's deepest feelings in the most moving and effective artistry; therefore let anyone who wishes to, have the courage to use such material to its ultimate advantage!ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Barry H Young OAM is a registered and experienced funeral celebrant. His book 'The Funeral Celebrant's Handbook' has been widely acclaimed here in Australia as well as internationally as a valuable reference. It is an inspiring training manual and guide to those wishing to enter this significant and caring ministry.Barry has been a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants since 1998. Being mindful of grief and the provision of comfort to young and old on his journey as a funeral celebrant, he has been compelled to share some of his experiences. His uniquely structured services impact on any assembly, as he views death as a transition from this world to the next, as an event to be celebrated in a dignified and proper manner.