With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the New Jersey Catholic Conference extends our deepest condolences and prayers to all those affected by the tragic shooting that occurred today while students at Annunciation School in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis gathered for the celebration of Mass for the opening of the new academic year.
We mourn the precious lives lost, the young souls wounded, and the countless families and communities forever changed by this senseless act of violence. Additionally, we offer our prayers and support to Bishop Joseph Williams, Diocese of Camden, who served as a priest and Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese where these horrific events occurred.
We call upon the Catholic community and all people of good will to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families — not only in prayer, but in active commitment to fostering a culture of life, mercy, and peace.
In the face of such unimaginable pain we turn to Christ, who Himself knew suffering, and we pray for His healing presence to comfort the grieving, strengthen the brokenhearted, and guide us all toward peace. No child should ever face fear in a place of learning and worship. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child to violence.
As New Jersey Catholic school students enter this new academic year, amongst our schools’ top priorities is the safety of their students. The faculty and staff work with the appropriate governmental and law enforcement agencies to ensure every student is safe and free to learn without the fear of physical or mental harm.
We are grateful to our governmental leaders for their efforts to strengthen the safety and security of all students in the State. Today’s events remind us that we must continue to work courageously and collaboratively to ensure that our schools and communities remain places of safety, hope, and compassion.
May the Lord receive the souls of the departed into His eternal embrace, and may His grace guide us to be instruments of His peace in a wounded world.
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