Our lives are indeed These stages are punctuated by key milestones: birth, transition to adulthood, unions, the arrival of children, separations, retirement, death… Celebrating these milestones through ceremonies helps us pass these symbolic milestones and become aware of our evolution. Lay celebrants play an essential role in accompanying and ritualizing these important milestones in a neutral, benevolent and non-religious way.
Become a celebrant
Would you like to accompany people in these key moments of their lives through secular and humanist ceremonies? CAPSA offers a complete training program to become a celebrant of secular ceremonies.
This theoretical, practical and creative training program is aimed at all those who wish to take on a rewarding role and contribute to ceremonies that respect the values and convictions of each individual. It provides an opportunity to learn the trade of lay celebrant, with a choice of specialization: weddings or funerals (or both).
Our training is organized into three modules, each dealing with an essential aspect of life rituals.
These modules are designed to offer a complete progression for people wishing to deepen their knowledge of secular ceremonies, whether they wish to specialize in them as a profession or explore life rituals for personal interest. Each module brings specific expertise to the table, providing the fundamental skills and techniques required for the various ceremonies of passage.
The course begins with a general introduction, accessible to all, before dividing into certifying specializations in the fields of funerals and unions, to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of each participant. Together, these three modules provide a structured learning framework that respects the diversity of beliefs and life paths, while offering personalized guidance to become an accomplished celebrant.
Module 1
Awareness of life rituals
This module, the core of the training program, is open to anyone interested in life rituals, even if they don’t intend to make a career out of it. It is aimed at those who wish to discover the art of celebrating life’s milestones with a secular, respectful and inclusive approach.
This module is an essential prerequisite for access to the specializations, ensuring that each participant progresses with a solid foundation for accompanying ceremonies with integrity and kindness.
Module 2
Funerals and mourning ceremonies
This certification module is designed for those who wish to specialize in the accompaniment of end-of-life and bereavement rituals.
It covers the essential skills needed to honor the memory of the deceased and support loved ones in their grief.
This module offers concrete tools for designing humane ceremonies that respect each family’s convictions and meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the bereaved.
Module 3
Weddings and other engagements
Also certifying, this module focuses on celebrating unions and other commitments with a personalized, secular approach.
It explores the symbolic rituals of love and commitment, while offering practical tools for designing ceremonies tailored to each couple’s wishes.
Participants will learn how to guide people in expressing their values and mutual commitment, creating a unique moment to celebrate their life paths.
Skills required
The profession of ceremony celebrant demands deep involvement and rigor. While certain skills can be acquired through training, certain personal qualities are essential to fulfilling this role with accuracy and respect.
A celebrant must not only master the techniques of expression, writing and organization, but also embody strong human values such as empathy, ethics and the ability to maintain emotional balance at sensitive moments.
These prerequisites form the basis of a sincere commitment to those we accompany through the important moments of their lives, and enable us to create ceremonies that are imbued with meaning and respect for each individual’s life journey.
Interest
A strong interest and a commitment to the role of celebrant of secular ceremonies.
Respect
Empathy, open-mindedness and respect for the diversity of beliefs and cultures.
Calm
Ability to regulate emotions and stress in sensitive situations.
Expression
Writing and oratory skills for creating and conducting ceremonies.
Communication
Ability to communicate respectfully and authentically.
Ethics
Empathy, open-mindedness and respect for the diversity of beliefs and cultures.
Collaboration
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Structure
Event planning and organization.
Would you like to find out more and discover all the possibilities open to you?
Take part in our next online information meeting
on Monday Tuesday January 28, 2025 at 12:00
to talk to our trainers and ask all your questions.
Complete this form to register and join the adventure!
Registration procedure
Please send your application by email to info@acor-ceremonies.chand include the following documents:
- Personal narrative: An 800-1000 word text describing your background and explaining what motivated you to undertake this training course.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your up-to-date CV, presenting your relevant experience and skills.
Please mention in your e-mail which module you would like to register for.
Your application will be carefully considered, and we will contact you to discuss the rest of the process.
Module 1
Ritual awareness
CHF 650.00
Modules 1+2
Ritual awareness
& funerals
CHF 2,500.00
Modules 1+3
Ritual & wedding awareness
CHF 2,500.00
Modules 1+2+3
Ritual awareness, funerals & weddings
CHF 4000.00
Our training team
The course you are about to embark on is led by a team of passionate individuals: Sonia Iodice, Léa Candaux, Julien Abegglen Verazzi and Andrés Allemand Smaller. Together, they embody a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and sensibilities, united by the same vocation: to transmit the art of celebrating life’s essential moments.
Through their unique perspectives, each will guide you in discovering the many facets of the celebrant’s craft. Their cross-disciplinary backgrounds will enable you to tackle different aspects of ceremonies, from accompanying techniques to respect for cultural and personal diversity, so that each celebrated moment is authentic.
Each trainer, guided by a deep respect for individual rituals and stories, will share his or her skills and vision with you. Their human and committed approach will provide you not only with the essential technical tools, but also with the inspiration and benevolence to accompany you with authenticity and empathy.
You’ll learn how to design unique ceremonies and provide sensitive support, so that each of your future celebrities finds a place of comfort and remembrance.
