Annunciation Catholic School

Minneapolis, MN

August 27, 2025

There are moments when we struggle to find the right words to express how we feel. In the face of horrific tragedy, even the right words cannot suffice. That’s why we must turn to the wisdom of our faith traditions to sustain us. Many of us turn to ancient practices of lament in these moments. 

What happened at Annunciation Catholic School is tragic. And while many will describe it as the act of a lone gunman in need of mental health care, we lament this preventable tragedy. We lament that the proliferation of guns allows people ready access to them. We lament elected officials who refuse to acknowledge the epidemic of gun violence. We lament that loss of life and mass shootings no longer move us enough to change the current conditions. We lament the loss of children’s lives, especially while they were in the act of worshipping. We lament the emotional and psychological toll this will have on the children and adults involved in the shooting.

Oh God, hear our prayers. In the aftermath of this tragedy, we pray for a different process and a different outcome. Oh God, may those who were injured and directly affected begin the journey to restore their health. Oh God, may we remember the lives of those who were killed, and may we be different. Oh God, soften our hearts. Embolden our resolve. Move us to action so that we refuse to allow this to happen again. 

Oh, God, hear our prayers.