Remembering 9-11

Published September 15, 2021

Parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. More than 75 worshipers, including retired police and military veterans, stood in the shape of a giant rosary on the school soccer field to offer prayers for the lives lost, for peace in the world, and for the safety and protection of local police, fire and first responders. 

“Praying the rosary is one of the most visible devotions people associate with being Catholic. We wanted to honor our local first responders in a very visible and spiritual way, and there is no better way for us as Catholics to do that than with the rosary -- as the rosary,” said Rich Oloffson, leader of the Fayetteville Knights of Columbus Assembly and event organizer. 

In the Living Rosary, each participant represented a bead in therosary. Between the decades, participants were given a short history of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Sept. 11 is perhaps the greatest American tragedy most of us have lived through, and today gives us a moment to pause, pray and be thankful for the resilience of our nation and for the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders then and now,” said Chris Fitz, a longtime parishioner.

The event was organized by the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3896.