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Looking Forward to 9/11….in Parkersburg

Several months ago, a group of downtown clergy committed themselves to a citywide recognition of the terrible sacrifice of human life on September 11th. Quickly, we were joined in this effort by Mayor Colombo who has given us support in every way possible. Two events are planned for this day….. the first is in the morning at 7:30 am at the Dils Center. Later on, in the early evening, there will be a rally in Bicentennial Park, downtown. However, it is the morning event, named the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, which I would like to detail further.

What we are doing is not a fundraising event of any kind. Rather, I believe we all need an opportunity to share in prayer for the future of our country. It is not an attempt to relive those terrible moments of September, 2001 or the loss of life on that day. That loss will be on our minds forever in the Ohio Valley……….especially as most of us knew our own Mary Lou Hague.

Our intention will be to look forward. Our theme “America United Under God” is one of many ways to do just that. The great strength of our people in time of national crisis is a mark of who we are as “One Nation Under God”. Expressing that helps us to overcome the pain of that day.

The breakfast will begin promptly at 7:30 am in the Dils Center. The principal remarks will be from Dr. David Hardesty, President of WVU. Additional prayers will be made by Judge Charles Haden, Chief Federal Judge for the Southern District of WV. A combined choral group from the Wood County High Schools will lead us in national hymns. We are quite aware that most people must be at work “on time”. The event will conclude at 9 am sharp. Your cost is $10…. this just covers the cost of breakfast.

Bishop Klusmeyer has asked all people in the diocese to try to be in church for their own prayer reflections on this date. Because September 11th is a Wednesday, we will move our regular 7 am Eucharist back to 6:45 am in the main church. Then, all who wish, can walk across the street to the Dils Center for the breakfast program.

There has been much written and spoken in the news media. All should now be aware of what we are planning to do. Please remember again, we are not seeking a donation. The $10 cost is for your breakfast. Because of that, your purchase of a ticket indicates you are planning to come!

Please send your checks….made out to The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast…..and forward them on to Trinity. We will return to you a breakfast ticket. Trinity table space will be reserved so we can all sit together.

Included with this issue of Trinity Times is a mail-in card which is self explanatory. The Volunteer Action Center, along with FaithLink, will mount all the expressions we receive on a wall in the Dils Center for that that morning. These expressions need not be large, or even financial. We are suggesting just an “Act of Kindness” such as a visit, or telephone call, to a shut-in, going to the foodstore for someone ….even picking up books for our Booksale from one of your friends can be just right!. What can a child do? Surely something small to be as a reminder of the importance of this day. At any rate, you can put your card in the alms basin on Sunday, mail it with your breakfast check, or even mail it directly to the Volunteer Action Center if that is your wish.

I know we probably won’t see Trinity filled at 6:45 in the morning…..or see everyone participate in our community prayer breakfast….all for a variety of good reasons. Not everyone can take the opportunity to fill out the “Act of Kindness” card. But please, try to do all you can’’.

Hear the words of Paul to the Thessalonians….”Remember before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ……..you must become imitators of the Lord for you have received the word.” I Thess. 1: 3.

In Christ,

Jack+