Article from "The Free Saving Your Dollars Shopper"
Johnstown, Pa., September 23, 1997

Special Interfaith Prayer Service for Victims of Crime and Tragedy
by Rita Rose (Buhek) Marcinek
 

     It's winter time, 1997.  As I turn the calendar page to March, my thoughts turn to the anniversary date of Dad's death.  It's been five years since his murder.  I take a moment to think of him and the guilty one who imposed his will and changed my family's life forever.  Time has helped to ease the pain.  Only occasionally do I succumb to the feelings of grief and tears.  I am feeling better than I have in years.  I notice a resurgence of physical energy that's been missing for a long time.  A common loss one experiences when you have become victimized by crime, tragedy, or some other stressful event in your life.

     The return of energy is making it possible for me to expand my interests and activities beyond the routine of daily necessities.  I find myself thinking more of how I can help others who have experienced a tragic or personal loss.  The daily news is a constant reminder of people who are struggling to get their lives back in order after becoming a victim.  In many cases it may take years.  Better than most people, I understand the depth of pain and the undetermined length of time needed to feel "better."

     If you or someone you know have been a victim of a criminal act or have experienced a tragedy in your life, I want to encourage you with the thought that things will get better, and, ironically, even good things can come out of a devastating loss.

     To remember deceased loved ones and persons who have been affected by crime or tragedy, I want to invite you to attend a community event that will be held on Sunday, October 5, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. at Saint Stephen's Church, 4th Avenue and Chestnut Street in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

     An interfaith prayer service will be held for victims of crime, tragedy, and personal loss.  A light reception and informational fair will follow the service in the church hall.

     The purpose of this event is to remember those who have died tragically and their surviving loved ones.  Any grieving person, regardless of circumstances, is welcome to attend.

     I hope the event will help to create public awareness that the needs of victims are many and continue long after the funerals and criminal trials are over.  This event will provide an opportunity for families and friends to be strengthened in faith, offered hope, and find friendship, understanding and support.

     Anyone reading this article qualifies to be present at this service.  If your life is going along swell and neither you nor anyone you know has ever been affected by crime, violence, or any kind of tragedy, come to our event to thank God!  And keep in mind that every two seconds a crime strikes somewhere and someone.  Five out of six people will be victims of violent crime at least once in their lifetime.  Elderly crime victims are almost twice as likely as younger victims to be victimized at or near their homes.  The possibility of you becoming a victim is much more likely than not.

     Four months have gone into the planning of this community event.  The prayer service will include spiritual readings, homily, a variety of music provided by professional musicians and choir.  Prayers will be offered by guest clergy and comments by invited speakers.  And the names of deceased victims will be mentioned during the service.

     Because people who have experienced a crime or tragedy may not be aware of all the services available to them or because pride or privacy may contribute to their not seeking out help in a formal, structured environment, we have included an informational fair.

     Many people will be taking part in the informational fair: health care providers, representatives of social service organizations, and other agencies.

     Whatever stage of the grieving process you may be in and regardless of how much time has passed, I hope many of you will come and find comfort, understanding and hope.  May you also be empowered with the energy and courage to make positive changes in your life.

     "Remembering" those who have died through murder, suicide, accident, or crime is very important to us who are recovering from a tragic loss.  This first event is scheduled for the month of October to coincide with the national observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  If you cannot be with us in person, please by with us in thought.