Prayer during trying time

During the stressful days leading up to the anniversary of the

Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church is

offering nine days of prayer, help and counseling.

The church decided to do so because people often don’t know where

to turn or are afraid to ask for help, said Luella Vasquez, Saint

Catherine of Siena’s church coordinator.

“It goes beyond ... it affected everyone in many different ways,”

Vasquez said. “People should really have access anywhere, any time,

anyplace.”

She said it is important for people to do what they feel they need

to do to heal.

Vasquez worked with other churches in Laguna and together many are

offering different services to help members of the community.

“I called all the other churches in the city and [asked] if we can

get it out to everyone,” she said. “After 9/11 we have to be understanding and welcoming, to interact more as a community, plant

seeds of friendship, community and different faiths.”

Vasquez said it is important for the whole community to be

represented during the reflection on last year’s tragedy.

Vasquez called the city and found that there weren’t any

particular requests for a memorial and that if the city does

something it will be impromptu.

On Sept. 11, the church also will hold its regular mass in the

morning as well as a special prayer service at 7 p.m.

Parishioners were asked to submit commemorating artwork.

“Some are submitting sculptures, it will be on display for

everyone to enjoy,” Vasquez said. “It’s a place of healing and hope,

and it’s a good time to come together.”

There will be candles that represent those who dedicated

themselves helping relief efforts.

“It might bring back memories that they’ve pushed away and it

might be a good time for them to remember, talk and express their

emotions,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez said the church was inspired when the community came

together following Sept. 11.

The church has a list of other participating churches and what

they are doing to help. She feels there is a lot of opportunity in

the community for each person to find what works best.

“It’s important that people know that they don’t have to be Sunday

church goers; they’re welcome at any place to find hope and healing

in the community” Vasquez said.

She spoke of the community banding together with the candle light

vigil, which was held last year on Main Beach.

“That’s what we saw, so many people together,” she said. “We want

to build on the hope and the healing, not on the pain and the

tragedy.”

Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church is located at 990 Temple

Terrace.

To find out more about the nine days of prayer and each day’s

planned focus, please contact the church at 494-9701. To find out

about other church’s Sept. 11 community services, contact the church

or call other local places of worship.