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.
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