Loved ones honoured during memorial carolling service in Charlottetown

With her siblings, parents and late husband in mind, Marguerite Keating requested the song O Holy Night during a Sunday service in Charlottetown.

It was part of St. Paul’s Church’s annual carol singing tradition, where those who attend can buy a star with a loved one's name to be placed on the memory tree.

"It’s just something I have to do," Keating said. "It’s just a nice gesture."

She remembers her family members quite often, not just around the holidays.

"I think they'd be very proud of me, what I've accomplished over the years and someday we'll all meet again."

Carol Macdonald, chorister with the church’s choir, also thinks of family — both living and passed on — during the event.

She says it feels fulfilling to sing for those who have passed on, especially when those who are remembering loved ones are listening.

"Christmas is a time when you're missing people that you've always had Christmas with and whether they're, you know, recently deceased or whether it's been years," Macdonald said.

"When everybody's in this church and for a specific reason, you can feel the spirit of what's bringing them together."

Rev. John Clarke, the church’s rector, says the holidays can be a hard time for those who are grieving.

He hopes the event can help support people experiencing loss.

"If it's grief, it can bring some tears. There might even be some joyful memories that will also bring some tears," Clarke said.

"I just think the most important thing is to reach out to others and to share those thoughts and feelings and emotions with the people around you."