Religious and memorial services for victims of the terrorist attacks in New York will take place countrywide during today's national day of mourning and thoughout the weekend.
The leader of Ireland's four main churches expressed their "sorrow and pain at the tragic events in the USA. We ask all our churches to respond in a way appropriate to their own local community".
Bishop Dr Gerry Clifford, representing Archbishop Dr Sean Brady, Primate, Roman Catholic Church; Archbishop Dr Robin Eames, Primate, Church of Ireland; Rt. Rev Dr Alastair Dunlop, Moderator, Presbyterian Church; Rev Harold Good, President, Methodist Church, issued a joint statement.
They said: "We would encourage all our people to engage in a time of prayer and reflection, particularly this Friday, for our brothers and sisters in the USA and elsewhere who are suffering so much at this time".
The Church leaders also signed the Book of Condolence at Belfast City Hall.
An Ecumenical Service of Remembrance took place at the Pro-Cathedral at 10.45 a.m. Three minutes silence were observed at 11.00 a.m. Cardinal Desmond Connell will preside. The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev Dr Walton Empey, will give a short address at the service.
President Mrs Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, and members of the Government will attend the ceremony.
Representatives of the different Christian traditions have been invited to participate. Among those involved in planning the service were the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, the Very Rev John Paterson.
Cardinal Connell has requested that Masses or prayer services be organised in each of the 200 parishes of the diocese to coincide with the Ecumenical Service.
Cardinal Connell will celebrate Mass in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday, September 16th, at 12.30 p.m. at which the Taoiseach and the President will attend.
On behalf of the Irish Bishop's Conference, the four Catholic Archbishops said in a statement: "We ask all who can do so, to attend Mass or other religious service, as a mark of respect, and to pray for those who have died".
In several areas, the different church traditions have come together to hold services in memory of the victims of the attacks.
Most Rev Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, will be principal celebrant at a special Mass at St. Malachy's Church, Irish Street, Armagh at 7.30 p.m.
The Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr. Patrick Walsh, will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Cathedral, Belfast on Sunday, 16th September at 11.30 a.m.
Monsignor Tom Toner, the administrator of the cathedral, will join with Dean Houston McKelvey in leading a prayer service in St. Anne's Cathedral on Saturday at 1.00 p.m.
At 12 noon today a civic mass will be held in the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway. The Most Rev James Mc Loughlin, Bishop of Galway, will be Principal Celebrant at the Mass which will be attended by the Mayor and the Borough Council.
A special Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Donal Murray, Bishop of Limerick, in St John's Cathedral, Limerick, tomorrow, Friday 14th September, at 12 midday.
Information on other Catholic ceremonies can be found at http://www.catholiccommunications.ie/news/. Links can be followed to individual dioceses and parishes, which contain contact details.
The Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops of Cork will join to lead the city's principal liturgies for today's services.
At 10.30 a.m, the Most Rev John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross, will join the Right Rev Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, at Saint Fin Barre's cathedral. Bishop Colton will then accompany Bishop Buckley to St Francis's Church for a special Mass at 12 noon.
An ecumenical service for victims of the attacks will take place in Monkstown Parish Church on Sunday 16th at 7.15 p.m. Church of Ireland ceremonies will take place at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, at 5.30 p.m today; at St. Nicholas', Galway, at 6 p.m on Sunday; at St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, on Saturday at 1 p.m; and St. Columb's Cathedral, Derry, at 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Listings of other services can be found at http://www.ireland.anglican.organd by following the link to special services for victims of the terrorist attacks.
Presbyterian churches in several larger towns and cities across the State will hold special services. Some congregations will meet for a structured act of worship, and other buildings will be open for people to engage in private prayer.
Former Presbyterian moderator Dr Trevor Morrow, minister of Lucan Presbyterian, Dublin, said: "By opening our churches, we are encouraging people to seek God during these dark days.
Presbyterian services include: Lucan at 10.45 a.m; Malahide at St Sylvester's at 2 p.m; Dun Laoghaire, doors open between 10 a.m to 2 p.m; Howth, St Mary's 8 p.m; Greystones 11 a.m; Blackrock, meeting St Theresa's 8 p.m; all Protestant churches in Sligo will meet at St John's Cathedral at 10.45 a.m; Tullamore to be decided; Kilkenny service at 10.30 a.m; Carlow, service at 10.45 a.m; Ballina, service at 11 a.m; Cork, service at Trinity Church 10.45 a.m.
Memorial services will be held in military barracks and posts occupied by the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service throughout the country today. Military personnel are encouraged to bring their families to the services.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieut Gen Colm Mangan and officers of the General Staff will attend a service at McKee Barracks, Dublin, at 10.00 a.m.