Catholic Community Schools, Diocese of St. Cloud Mourn Victims of Minneapolis Church Shooting

(KNSI) – Catholic Community Schools and the Diocese of St. Cloud are mourning the loss of innocent life in the wake of a mass shooting at a church in Minneapolis.

A letter from the school system’s President, David Fremo, says: “Our entire CCS family grieves with the students, families, teachers, staff, and parishioners of Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. We hold them close in our hearts and prayers, and we extend our deepest love and support to all who are suffering in the wake of this tragic event.”

The letter goes on to explain that the school system has been talking with local police, and officers will conduct additional patrols in the areas around the schools. He explained that the extra patrols are intended to provide visibility, reassurance, and support for students, staff, and families.

The CCS system is made up of Cathedral High School and middle school, along with five elementary schools: All Saints Academy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, and St. Katharine Drexel.

Bishop Patrick Neary also spoke in the letter and offered words of comfort during a time of grief:

“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, our hearts are shattered by the horrific act of violence that occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Children were gathered for Mass. Teachers were beginning a new school year.

Families were entrusting their loved ones to the care of the Church. I grieve deeply with the families, students, staff and parishioners of Annunciation. I grieve with our neighbors in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. And I grieve with every person who now carries the trauma of this senseless violence.

As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of every human life. That dignity is destroyed when violence becomes routine. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring healing to all who are wounded, and may Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us in this time of grief.”

On X, Pope Leo XIV expresses profound sorrow over the murder of two children and the injuring of 17 others.

Officials say a shooter opened fire during Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 other people before killing himself. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says the shooter approached the side of the church around 8:30 on Wednesday morning and shot through the windows toward the children sitting in the pews.

Police say the shooter took his own life.

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