What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Pray for the Munhalls

... childhood friend is missing in the World Trade Center.

Editors Note: Much has already and will be written about the events of September 11th, 2001. Sometimes the writing is as much for the writer's soul as for the reader. If any parishioners would like to submit their thoughts to the webmaster for publication, they will be seen on these pages. Submit to rhollj@bitstream.net.

Author's Note: I've felt bad, almost since writing my reflection on the tragic events that occured Sept. 11th. The naming of bin Laden et.al. suggested bin Laden's guilt at least to some degree. Even if time proves that assumption correct, our "system of government," to which I subscribe, prides itself on the assumption that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. I had no right mentioning the name of the number one suspect in my text. Bias is indeed ugly worn by any of us. -edie

My heart sunk last night. I received a voice mail message from my mom. A neighbor and good friend's son, Jimmy Munhall, did indeed work at the World Trade Center and was yet missing. I called my mom, she said Mrs. Munhall was beside herself. She sat with a shred of hope still existing that Jimmy might be alive, but realistically knowing the chances of that were slim.

His sister, Maureen, was my best friend growing up in the town of Commack on Long Island. She passed away some seven years ago, complications from stomach cancer surgery. This family has seen other tragedy as well. How much can one mom endure? Marie Munhall is a good and strong woman, but please pray for her and her son Jimmy and his family that they might remain strong. They need our prayers right now, as I'm sure do others who were effected by Tuesday's terrorist's events.

September 11, 2001. Is it a coincidence that these terrorists picked 9-11-01? A cry to be heard, to be noticed, to get our attention? So tragic that people are this desperate to get a message across to another mind set. I weep inside. I don't want to see more terrorism, but I want us to stop it by appreciating each other's point of view, not by shutting each other up. Zero tolerance needs to apply to all of us human beings. I'd like to see all of us accept no violent solutions. I'd like to think that this is not a naive thought, but rather a civilized one. Can we capture bin Laden et.al., without killing them? Can we cooperatively work with the world community to rectify whatever complaints we harbor against one another? Are we so hard hearted and closed minded that we can't see the other point of view? Distribution of resources and world wealth I believe is at the heart of all

Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 24 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.

of this. Is it too late to start a US initiative to restructure the organization of the world, such that folks worldwide would be treated and paid equitably? Is NATO a good starting place? I don't know. Something progressive and revolutionary needs to take place to secure our future. I believe it is born of love, not hate, if any of civilization is to continue.
-edie