A letter on Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minnesota
Fr. Cesar and Sr. Marie write to the school family after the tragedy in Minneapolis.
Dear Holy Spirit Family,
It is with a heavy heart I write to you today. Like so many across the country, we are grieving the terrible tragedy that took place yesterday at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minnesota. Our Catholic schools should be places of prayer, laughter, and learning. Families are mourning the loss of their children, and others are carrying the pain of injuries and fear. For them, words will never be enough.
In moments like this, we turn to Christ, who Himself suffered violence and death, and to His Blessed Mother, who stood at the foot of the Cross. We ask her to wrap her mantle around the families of Annunciation, to comfort the parents who mourn, to strengthen those who survived, and to bring hope to a community that is deeply wounded.
Here at Holy Spirit Catholic School, as your pastor, I want to reaffirm to you that the safety of your children is, and will always be, our highest priority. We have many procedures in place to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe, and we continue to review and strengthen them. I know that tragedies like this stir up fear and questions in every parent’s heart. Please know that we take seriously the trust you place in us each day when you bring your children here.
As we prepare to begin a new school year, let us stay close to one another, lift up the people of Minneapolis in our prayers, and hold tightly to our faith in Jesus Christ, who alone can bring peace to hearts that are broken.
In Christ, Rev. Cesar Jaramillo, JCL, Pastor — and Sr. Marie Antonelli, M.P.F., Principal.