MINNEAPOLIS -- St. Olaf Catholic Church held what was deemed a "special Mass for the city" Thursday in support of those affected by the devastating Interstate 35-W bridge collapse.

Slideshow: Photos From Memorial Service

Hundreds of members and nonmembers of the parish shared in a mutual sorrow.

Yet it was a message of hope provided by the Rev. Kevin McDonough that prevailed. "Things are going to be different in Minneapolis," said McDonough.

As members of the congregation hugged each other and wept, what he said had already come true. One of the attendees explained how it seems everyone in the city has been united by the collapse.

Many attendants shared stories of their experiences surrounding Wednesday's catastrophe, as well as their involvements. The Rev. Mark Pavlik, who delivered prayers during the Mass, had aided victims in the hospital. Joan Miltenberger, director of St. Olaf's social outreach program, had comforted the children rescued from the school bus that was atop the bridge at the time of the collapse.

"I started to cry, but I said 'Joan, you can't cry in front of these kids,'" said Miltenberger. Upon her arrival at the scene of the collapse, she immediately began speaking with the children, reassuring them, and using her phone to contact their parents.

Miltenberger said she had simply done what everybody else was doing -- helping those in need. "I guess that's Minnesota," she laughed.

For Miltenberger, Minnesotans' role in the rescue operations reflect that of the church. "It's (the role) of the church to bring people together -- to give people a sense of hope," she said.