Dear Friends,  

September 11th marks a dark day in our country’s history. Over 3,000 deaths and much destruction, along with mental and emotional pain that day. Churches throughout the country were filled with people praying, afraid, and processing with each other what happened and what might happen. This terrorism act was a new experience for many Americans as people tried to figure out how to respond. It gave us an insight into when people of other countries experience on-going terror, destruction and death. We remember that day so that we do not forget what it was like living through those terrifying days. So many people turned to God asking for protection, safety, and stopping such evil acts. These are important lessons to remember and to pass on to our children.

September 11th also brought with it many acts of heroism, compassion, caring and protecting others. In the midst of our country’s present misery of forgetting about caring for others, maybe the remembrance of that day might inspire us to recall and act upon ways to care for each other, and offer works of charity and mercy. History can teach us about how we respond to the present situations we are facing.

We pray that God protects all people who live in the midst of war, violence, destruction and suffering.  

Peace in Christ, 

Fr. Eric