September 11th- A day of Service and Remembrance

By Kyla Smulski

Through prayer, reflection, and unity, those who died on September 11 were remembered at a special prayer service in the Chapel of Mary followed by work in a project to help school children in need. 

 "We want peace on our terms, we want peace in everything we do, but our prayer is that God gives us his peace,” said Reverend Timothy N. Mouton, C.S.C, who led the service.   

The service began with the prayer of St. Francis, followed by an opening prayer, scripture reading, reflection, and intercessions.  

As candles were lit, the names of members in the Stonehill community who lost their lives on September 11 were read: Kevin Conroy, father of former coach Jill Conroy; Timothy Coughlin ‘80; Peter Gay, father of a Stonehill graduate; Reverend Francis Grogan, C.S.C.; James Hayden ‘76; and Timothy Reilly ‘82. Each person was honored with a prayer and a moment of silence in recognition of their sacrifice.  

The service concluded with Our Father, a closing prayer, and the sign of peace, leaving a somber yet hopeful feeling. 

Students and staff were invited to assemble school supplies for students in need through the School on Wheels of Massachusetts program. This project was designed to help children in need while honoring the spirit of the prayer service through unity. 

Brittany Lorgeree, the campus minister for community engagement, organized the project after applying and receiving a grant from the 911 Day organization.  

Supplies were set up outside the chapel and consisted of backpacks, notebooks, folders, glue sticks, scissors, erasers, pencils, and more. Students and staff lined up around the table and filled backpacks with supplies for underprivileged students.