My Dear Friends,

     As your family enters into the process of making the necessary funeral arrangements for your loved one, I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to each one of you.  At this difficult time, no human words can adequately convey the deep sentiments we feel in our hearts.  The grief process is a journey toward a sense of peace and acceptance.  This journey can be a long and painful experience.  During this time, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

     As a bereavement minister, my task is to assist the families, friends and relatives.  It is a ministry of service, compassion and hope.  Our faith assures us that death is not the end of life or of love.  Death is a gateway to a new and better life in the dwelling place provided for us by God.

     A funeral is the occasion when we have a chance to remember our loved one, to reflect, and to rejoice over the many happy memories which are so sacred to the family and friends who will gather together.  Funerals ought to be personal, intimate and special ceremonies.  We hope to capture the spirit and recall the life-experiences, qualities and virtues of our loved one.  The funeral is a particularly sacred time to be together as a family and to welcome all who will want to express their love for you.

     I hope to make myself available to you during the next few days as we prepare for the funeral and to assist you in whatever way I can.  I stand ready at any hour to help you during this stressful time.

After the funeral, I hope that you will feel free to call on me.

Very sincerely yours,

Robert L. Jabro