Praying for Peace After Tragedy in Minnesota

We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news from Minnesota earlier this week. As students gathered for Mass, a place meant to be filled with peace and joy, their community was instead shaken by violence.

Bishop Luis Zarama reflected on the shock of this event, sharing:

“This morning I heard the terrible news from Minnesota just as I finished celebrating a joy-filled Mass at a school within our own diocese. Our prayers are with all of those affected. And may God help us to always persevere in His love, especially when we are faced with senseless tragedies such as this.”

Like Bishop Zarama, we join the Church in prayer for all those harmed, for their families, and for the entire school community. We ask God to bring healing, peace, and hope in the midst of grief.

The Bishop also reminded us that while we cannot predict such tragedies, we can take steps to prepare and protect our communities. 

“Without knowing the details of today’s event in Minnesota,” Bishop Zarama said, “it is a painful reminder of the importance of training and preparation. We take the safety and security of our children, parishioners and communities very seriously and encourage continued partnership and planning in this regard.”

As a parish family, we echo this commitment. We must always be vigilant in caring for one another, especially the most vulnerable, and in creating safe, prayer-filled spaces where all may encounter Christ.

Most of all, we turn to the Lord in prayer. We pray for the victims, for their families, for the students and staff of the school community in Minnesota, and for all who have been touched by this tragedy. And we pray for peace, in our schools, in our parishes, in our communities, and in our world.

“May God help us to always persevere in His love.”