Residents try to find solace at church service for victims
Over 100 worshipers and community members gathered in prayer for a Holy Hour Tuesday night at Saint John the Baptist Church in Plum, for those affected by the home explosion Saturday.
Six candles were lit before the altar, five representing those who were killed and one representing a person who remains in critical condition.
“The Holy Hour is a sacred time where we gather to spend an hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament,” Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik, who led the service, said in the news release. “In moments of despair and disbelief, it is so important that we can sit with Jesus, find solace, strength and a renewed sense of hope. Through our collective prayers, we seek the comfort and healing that comes through Jesus’ love for each of us.”
Regardless of denomination or religion, all members of the community were welcome to pray at the Saint John the Baptist Church, as they remembered those who lost their lives, loved ones and property at the explosion at Rustic Ridge. The hourlong service included Catholic hymns and prayers, and thoughtful words on how to heal after a tragedy in the community.
Rev. David Poecking discussed how the presence of and guidance of God protects every generation.
“It is true particularly these days in this neighborhood as we face the heartache of the lives lost, the intense burden of homes destroyed, the grief of the loss of peace and security in the neighborhood,” Rev. Poecking said.
Throughout the service, the reverends created space for moments of silence for the community to pray for those affected by the explosion.
Mary Ann Stoops, a member of the pastoral council, said she knows a victim of the explosion personally. She said her niece used to date one of the children who lost his mother in the explosion and whose father is in critical care due to severe burns.
“It’s really hard,” she said. “We hope that this provides some sort of healing for everyone to know that we are all God’s family, and that we are going to come together and heal together.”
Sue Caldwell, who is also is also a member of the pastoral council, said many who belong to the parish know the victims of the explosion. She knew Plum Borough Manager Michael Thomas and Community Development Director Heather Oravitz, who Mayor Harry Schlegel confirmed were both killed.
“The borough is at such a loss to not have him and Mrs. Oravitz,” she said.
At the service, donations were collected to go to the Salvation Army and other agencies that will help with the recovery for families at Rustic Ridge