In the midst of demanding schedules, we can sometimes overlook the important significance that milestone events play in individual growth and enriching a sense of family and community. Life-changing events like births, adoptions, graduations, weddings, commitment ceremonies, personal healing and an array of coming-of-age markers are among the many bona fide rites of passages deserving recognition. They are cherished by featured participants and savored by those attending.

Since 2001, the Celebrant Foundation & Institute, based in Montclair, New Jersey, has been certifying individuals to become Life-Cycle Celebrants, skilled in officiating at such transition ceremonies. This fulfilling work of ritual and celebration flexes as part- or full-time work, as an added vocational skill or new career, recently reported by CNN and Money magazine as a top 10 profession for people changing careers.

The foundation’s next live, online, seven-month learning program starts October 1. The small-group learning program covers how to lead ceremonies for children, couples, families, funerals and organizations, facilitated by trained Celebrant instructors. Participants learn ways to create personalized ceremonial events for special moments in life and career achievement for people of all beliefs and value systems that also reflect a client’s philosophy of life and personality.

Lessons include assigned readings plus reviewing sample ceremonies, contracts and client interview questions. Celebrants also become part of an alumni support network.

For more information or to enroll, call 973-746-1792 or visit CelebrantInstitute.org. Mention Natural Awakenings to obtain a $100 discount.