A Note on 9/11 from the Trinity Clergy

Dear friends, 

As the weekend commemorations of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 begin this evening, we want you to know that we are holding all of you in prayer. Whether you were a member of the Trinity congregation, were working elsewhere in New York, or even lived in another city, the memories of that day are difficult and painful for us all. And the events of the past 18 months — the global pandemic, racial injustices, climate disasters, and more — mean that we all have been living in a time of extended trauma. 

Our prayer is that you may find comfort and solace among your loved ones, and the courage and strength within to continue our work in answering the world’s deep need for healing. The remembrance of the care and concern we held for one another in the days that followed 9/11 is both a balm and a guide. 

We hope you will consider joining us at one of Trinity’s services this weekend, in person or online, or take some time for quiet contemplation in St. Paul’s Chapel, which will be open this evening through Sunday evening.

AThis prayer, attributed to St. Francis, appears regularly in our liturgies this weekend. It seems deeply appropriate for this time.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that
we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Faithfully,
The Clergy of Trinity Church