Jayme Closs grew up going to St. Peter Catholic Church and Sunday, the church hosted a prayer service to praise and express gratitude for her safe return. After nearly three months in captivity, the Barron community was excited to celebrate at the place Closs received her first communion and started her religious education. Until Oct. 15, Closs was in the 8th grade class of Patty Gerber, the Parish Director. “Denise was a sweet person to me, so I’m sad,” said Gerber. “I’m sad that she’s not here and just so ecstatic when Jayme came home. Then for a split second, my heart dropped - almost in tears of mourning that her mom wasn’t here to welcome her home in her arms.” Gerber was instrumental in organizing Sunday’s event. She helped select the music that reflects how the community is feeling about the tragedy of losing James and Denise Closs as well as writing a tribute to Jayme. The prayer service intended to bring closure for Jayme, her family, her friends and those on the front lines leading the investigation to bring her home safely. “They can hold their heads high because they have responded well, because they’ve had the eyes of the nation upon them and they have remained strong in their hope. They need to hold their heads high tonight,” said Father John Gerritts. Advertisement Jayme herself was not ready to attend the service Sunday, but the event was videotaped and will be given to her to view at a time when she’s comfortable watching it.<doc-sep>CAMERON, Wis. (WCCO) — A Wisconsin community came together Sunday night to give thanks and celebrate the safe return home for Jayme Closs. The 13-year-old had been missing since October from her Barron, Wisconsin, home when she was found some 60 miles north in Gordon. She had managed to escape her suspected kidnapper and find help. For nearly three months, they prayed for the safe return of 13-year-old Jayme Closs. Tonight they gathered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Cameron to give thanks. “It was an extension of faith and an extension of prayer and hope that she would come back. And of course this is a hope that did not disappoint,” said Luke Spehar, a musician. The service is exactly what many in this western Wisconsin community needed. Words can’t express what they feel in their hearts. It was through song and prayer that they expressed their gratitude. “We also want to thank God for the gift of James and Denise because they gave Jayme the gift of life and love and gave her that faith that sustains her,” Father John Gerritts said. They prayed for law enforcement, school officials, friends and family of Jayme Closs. On Sunday night, the power of prayer was celebrated. “I think the power of prayer is to let someone know they’re not alone. And again, tonight is a celebration that she was never alone, even though it may have seemed like it. There was this whole community supporting her and lifting her up in prayer,” Spehar said. The community says they are grateful but know their work is not done. They know they must pray continuously for healing to begin. “Prayer needs to continue. Jayme certainly needs healing. Her family. The community needs to heal,” Father Gerritts said. We were told this service is exactly what Jayme Closs’ family wanted to show where they are on their journey. They’re giving praise to God and are grateful for the prayers they believe led Jayme home.<doc-sep>'Whoever Is Watching This, They're Going To Get A Thrill': Willy T. Ribbs, Paul Tracy, Ernie Francis Jr. Discuss Superstar Racing ExperienceThe Superstar Racing Experience inaugural season begins on June 12 at Stafford Speedway. 'Rugrats' Voice Actors E.G. 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CAMERON, Wis. – After 88 days, people of Barron County who had been praying that Jayme Closs would be found, honored her safe return. Sunday night, family, friends and neighbors gathered at St. Peter Catholic Church in Cameron for a prayer service to honor 13-year-old Jayme, who freed herself from the northern Wisconsin home of Jake Thomas Patterson on Jan. 10 after nearly three months in captivity. Patterson is charged with shooting and killing Jayme's parents, James and Denise Closs, on Oct. 15, abducting her and holding her in his Town of Gordon home. St. Peter carries great significance for the Closs family. Denise was a member of the parish before she died, according to her obituary, and it's the same church where loved ones gathered in October to say goodbye to the couple. But the focus of Sunday's service was not on the allegations against Patterson. Congregants instead thanked Jayme, God and everyone else who played a role in the three-month journey to find the missing teen. More:Gifts and support pour in for Jayme Closs after abducted teen's escape More:911 callers say Jayme Closs should get $50K reward for rescuing herself "You have just experienced one of the great miracles of our time," said John Gerritts, a priest at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson. Those in attendance thanked law enforcement for their work on the investigation and heard from Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who in turn expressed his gratitude for the community's support. They showed their appreciation for friends. They prayed for James and Denise, keeping their memory alive. More:Father of Jake Patterson has a letter for Jayme Closs' family More:Jake Patterson targeted Jayme Closs after seeing her board school bus, complaint says "They gave Jayme the gifts of life, faith and love," said Lindsey Smith, Jayme's cousin. "We are sad that they could not welcome Jayme back to their home. This brings us great sadness. But we know their deaths (are) not a sign of their abandoning us." Jayme was described as a kind, strong and courageous girl who is loved by everyone around her. Parish director Patty Gerber prayed for her and her life going forward, saying God has plans for her future. "We had a dark cloud hanging over our community," said Barron Mayor Ron Fladten. "Then God removed it, and now the sun shines through. Jayme is home."