Catholic Idaho -- Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise -- Meet the Bishop

Bishop Michael Driscoll Asks Prayers for Terrorism Victims, Authorizes Special Collection

"This is a period of great mourning in our country, and no matter what, we need to continue to pray and trust God," Bishop Michael P. Driscoll said in a statement released Sept. 12.

Bishop Driscoll was attending the Catholic Charities USA national convention in Newark, N.J. Sept. 6-10. His return plane left Washington D.C. early Sept. 11. A short time into the flight, he and the other passengers were told they would make an unscheduled landing in Kansas City, Kansas, due to a national emergency. When the plane was on the ground in Kansas, Bishop Driscoll made a call to his secretary in Boise to let her know what was happening. She gave him the news about the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC

Bishop Driscoll was able to stay with friends near Kansas City and finally made arrangements Sept. 12 to drive back to Boise. He is enroute.

Catholic Charities of Idaho Executive Director Marie Hoff and a staff member were also returning to Boise Sept. 11 on another flight out of Newark. They were diverted to Denver and have not yet been able to make arrangements to return.

In a statement, Bishop Driscoll said he is "deeply saddened" by the terrorist attacks. He cannot quit thinking about those people who boarded the hijacked planes and the people who left their homes for work at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon Tuesday morning whose friends and families will never see them again.

"We must continue to pray for the victims and their families, especially the children," said Bishop Driscoll. "Let us also remember in our prayers the many people who are working so hard and risking their own lives in the rescue efforts."

The Bishop urged Idahoans to trust God and gather their families together to reflect on this tragedy and show appreciation for each other and the love they share.

Bishop Driscoll has requested that all weekend Masses Sept. 15-16 in Catholic parishes throughout Idaho be offered for the victims of the terrorist act and their families and those working on the rescue.

He has also authorized a special collection to be taken up in all Idaho Catholic churches. The money will go to Catholic Charities to assist with the rescue efforts in New York and Washington DC and to help families affected by the tragedy.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can make their check payable to the Catholic Charities of Idaho earmarked for "New York-Washington DC Disaster Relief" and send it to 303 Federal Way, Boise, ID 83705 or donate on-line. Catholic Charities is commissioned by the U.S. Catholic bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster. The monies will be forwarded together to Catholic Charities USA.

Other News

• Fall Conference Canceled

• Make a donation to Catholic Charities' New York/
Washington DC Disaster Relief

• Pope John Paul II's Statement

• BISHOPS WEB SITE OFFERS INFO ON DONATIONS, LITURGICAL AIDS, PAPAL, BISHOP REMARKS, CONDOLENCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD WASHINGTON.

Aids for dealing with the national tragedy of September 11, including information on donations to people affected by the terrorist attacks and assistance in planning prayer services have been posted on the US bishops* web site, www.usccb.org.

The page known as *National Tragedy* was set up September 12, the day after terrorists brought unparalleled death and destruction in New York City and Washington. The page also will include samples of condolence notes sent to US Catholics from all around the world and responses to the tragedy by Pope John Paul II and the US bishops.

The site indicates donations to aid victims can be sent to Catholic Charities USA, and gives the number 1-800-919-9338 for instructions.

The liturgical and prayer resources include blessings for victims of crime, firefighters, police, and rescue personnel. It also includes pertinent prayers and Scripture readings.

"Persevering in Hope — Praying for Peace" — Bishop Mike Driscoll

9/21/01 — In response to the September 11th attacks, Bishop mike said "We are truly one nation, under God, at this moment in this nation. We all join with our brothers and sisters, whether they are Jewish, Christian, Muslim or another faith because we know that God is the stronghold so that we do not enter into despair."

In the days and weeks after the attack, Bishop Driscoll said that "so many times Christians have been challenged to be people of faith, people of hope, people of love, forgiving, merciful and reaching out to help others. We are seeing all kinds of heroic acts. People all over the national are contributing. This gives us hope just like in the early church."

The bishop said he had received a call from a friend, a nun in Ireland, who told him that the churches in her country were packed in solidarity with the US She said the Irish people are shaken because they always look to the US as the place where things like terrorism and acts of war do not happen.

"Until Sept. 11," Bishop Driscoll said.

"We must persevere in hope," he said. "We need to realize that with Christ, we can do anything. He has conquered sin and promised us the glory of salvation. Where there is light, there is no darkness. With Christ, we can overcome the powers of darkness."

The bishop said that as the American people go forward in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, "we must continue to keep firm in our hearts that we will remain free" and that through faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can do anything."

Bishop Driscoll said that the cross conquers Satan. He urges everyone to "always be men and women of faith, hope, and love."

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