All Saints’ Day – Wreath Making Workshop and Cemetery Decoration Day
The Meaning of All Saints’ Day
This is a special occasion that honours the legacy of those who have passed. This day is dedicated to commemorating the lives of saints and all faithful departed. This day reinforces core Christian beliefs in eternal life and the ultimate hope of resurrection. By reflecting on the lives of saints and the faithful departed, Christians are reminded of the eternal destiny that awaits them in the presence of God. This hope inspires not only personal piety but also a communal aspiration toward holiness and virtue. Celebrating All Saints’ Day encourages believers to live more devotedly, fostering a deeper connection with their faith and each other. All Saints’ Day serves as a powerful reminder of the rich heritage of the Church and the profound belief in an eternal celebration of life beyond death.
Join us for a Creative Workshop
As we celebrate this historic meaning of All Saints’ Day, we invite you to partake in our all-natural wreath-making workshop. This event is not only an opportunity for creativity but also a chance to connect with others in a warm and friendly environment. Together, we will craft beautiful, natural wreaths to decorate the resting places of our beloved ones. We will be providing fresh greenery, jute or cotton twine, pine cones, dried fruit, and so on. Participants are welcome to bring their own favorite natural, biodegradable additions to include in their wreath eg: ribbons made of cotton, burlap, or craft paper; cranberry or popcorn garlands; fresh or dried, real flowers or ornamental grass; colorful twigs such as purple osier willow, or red dogwood, nuts; acorns; seed pods…
Practical Details for Participants
Bring the kids along
We warmly invite families to join us for this day of creativity and remembrance. Children are encouraged to participate in the wreath-making workshop, provided they are accompanied by an adult. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to bond, create lasting memories together, and remember their departed loved ones.
Your generous donation of $20 per wreath helps us provide the necessary materials for this community event. Contributions ensure that all wreaths are made from sustainable resources, supporting both the environment and the ongoing preservation of our cemetery. Thank you for your support in keeping this tradition alive.
To secure your spot in the workshop, please fill out the registration form. For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us at cemetery@stjohnswhitby.ca. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to this special event.
To anchor the beauty of your creation to a burial lot, please remember that all wreaths must be displayed on wire easels. We have a limited number of easels available for the first to register. However, don’t worry if you miss out! You can purchase an easel from popular craft suppliers like Michaels or Canadian Tire.
Here are some convenient links for purchasing:
Michaels – Metal Easel by Ashland
Canadian Tire – For Living Tri-Pod Wreath Easel
Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our choice of materials. All items used in the wreath-making workshop are biodegradable, ensuring that our activities leave no harmful impact on nature. By choosing biodegradable materials, we honor the natural beauty of our surroundings and contribute to a greener future. Each wreath crafted will be a testament to our dedication to preserving the environment.
*Cemetery Bylaw update – Starting November 1st, 2025, St. John’s Anglican Cemetery will no longer permit artificial flowers or non-biodegradable ribbons or decorations, as we are committed to managing the grounds sustainably.