Fellow Retreat Brothers/Sisters::
The Messenger of Death has again knocked at the door of our Movement and one of our brothers/sisters has been called away to give an accounting of his/her stewardship. A beloved brother/sister has been summoned: and a link in the chain of our brotherhood/sisterhood has been broken -- never more on earth to be recast. No more shall we look to those eyes which have smiled upon us in friendly greeting. No more shall we fell the warm clasp of our brother's/sister's hand. He/She has passed away, and it is with sorrowful hearts we contemplate the brevity of human life. Yet in our sorrow, we are comforted by the thought that he/she has passed away from the toil and heat of the day, and the burden and sorrows of his/her earthly life. For him/her -- all these things are over. He/She has gone to rest, sweet rest, in that calm haven where all is rest and peace, and where the storms and trial of life will no more disturb him/her.
Life is but a span; and when it is over, it is but a tale that is told. Let us then be up and doing, while the full tide of life flows within us. Let us so live, that our lives may be a constant example to all around us. Let us fill the measure of our day with usefulness and pure motives. We will thus prepare ourselves against that day when we too, as our beloved brother/sister, will be called on that journey from which no traveler returns.
To his/her family, friends and loved ones, we ask them to look to Him, Who is the Supreme Ruler of the universe. To Him, in Whom we live and move and have our being. To Him, Who tempers the wind and calms the stormy seas. To Him, Who in the Greatness of His unconditional Love looks down upon us with Pity and Sympathy. And although the trials of the present hours are such as to cause pain and anguish of spirit, He will comfort the troubled heart. So let us turn to Him in our time of affliction fully confident that He will hear our prayers, and grant us the comfort and solace we need so much.
Call four or five members by group and medallion: "Group 999 number 642". As each is called, they answer "Present". Finally call the deceased by group and number twice. After the second time the deceased is called, have someone answer "Here in body, gone in spiirt."
LET US PRAY: O God, we come to Thee humbly beseeching Thy Blessing upon all assembled here. Let this lesson of the brevity and uncertainty of life, teach us to walk while we are still numbered with the living, that our lives should be an honor to Thee and a cherished memory to our friends, when we too, have departed from this material world to the glorious home above where You forever reign in glory. To You we commend the bereaved relatives, friends and loved ones. Be their Guide and comfort and bless them. Lead them on the paths of peace, until they too have crossed the narrow river of death, to meet again around Your throne in heaven.
As You pass judgement, we ask You to balance our accounts and be merciful in Your award.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him/her O Lord:
(R) And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
May his/her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed:
(R) Through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
To you dear brother/sister, _________________, we bid you a last earthly farewell; and we ask that our patron Matt Talbot intercede in your behalf. We also ask that he, along with our other departed brothers/sisters come to greet your with a final: