The children in our care have no personal memories of the 9/11/2021 terrorist attacks on the U.S., but the aftermath and effects of those attacks continue for all of us. As we approach this anniversary, we continue to learn about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as the U.S. withdraws its military troops. Pope Francis and the Bishops of the United States ask for our prayers and support of those seeking refuge.
The USCCB offers prayers of intercession that may be used at Mass on September 11. We may wish to pray them privately, with our families, in our classrooms, or in a parish prayer service:
- For the Church, that she may continue to provide care and healing for all, especially those affected by the attacks on September 11, 2001, we pray to the Lord…
- For all victims of violence and terrorism around the world, and for their families, that they may find comfort and peace, we pray to the Lord…
- For the safety of our service men and women abroad, for civil servants who protect us and keep us safe, and for all who live with war and violence, we pray to the Lord…
- For our leaders and for the leaders of nations, that they may work together to address the problems that provide fertile ground for the growth of terrorism, we pray to the Lord…
- For the ability to forgive and for an end to all hatred, beginning in our own hearts, we pray to the Lord…
While this anniversary occurs before the Gospel Weeklies program year begins, the editor of Visions (Grades 7–9) has included a touching story about 9/11 and its impact on one family in the lesson for Sunday, October 31. We offer the story “No Greater Commandment Than These” here in both English and Spanish.
Prayer credit: USCCB.org
Image credit: Pope Francis prays for the victims at the 9/11 Memorial in New York on September 25, 2015. Photo by Alessia GIULIANI/CPP/CIRIC
