By Dr. Jason Slattery
Superintendent of Schools and Director of Catholic Education
“God has so composed the body … but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:24-27
Since the terrible shooting at the parish church on August 27, Annunciation in South Minneapolis has witnessed a surge in solidarity and support from across the Archdiocese, our nation and the world. So many hearts are moved to help in a time of great need: true manifestations of Christian charity and hope in the face of violence against innocents.
Catholic schools of the Archdiocese like Annunciation Catholic School live a deep care for the person — cura personalis — that seeks to understand and promote the dignity and good of those serving in and served by the parish. For the parish and school leadership, these days are consumed by care for the lives and dignity of every student. Early hours of shock shifted to mobilizing in support of these dear ones through so many corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Most of the injured students and parishioners are now discharged from direct medical care with one seventh-grade student, Sophia, remaining hospitalized. Unimaginable just 13 days ago, Fletcher’s family laid their 8-year-old to rest on Sunday, and Harper’s family has planned a celebration of life to honor their 10-year-old daughter this coming Sunday. On September 5, responding to the Archbishop’s urgent plea for prayers, we witnessed school children, parishes, dioceses and people of goodwill join from across the United States and beyond, united in praying the Rosary for those afflicted by this tragedy and all those who care for them. Let’s make a resolution this school year to pray for this parish, school and these families every day throughout the school year.
Since shortly after the tragic events, members of the team in the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education served on site to assist parish and school leadership in those early difficult moments that gave way to uncertain hours and challenging days. With the parish and school now taking steps to accompany families and understand how best to reopen the school so that it might live its mission and serve students, as it has for more than 100 years, OMCE will remain in a close support position in the weeks and months ahead. The path toward healing and some peace for those who were victims and witnesses of this terrible crime will take time and grace: one foot in front of the other.
No one from Annunciation began the morning of August 27 with any notion of how their life and path would be changed. And the incredible response of solidarity, prayers and support stands as a living testament to an incredibly important reality: Catholic schools are communities that care for one another.