Dear readers, in times of unimaginable sorrow, our faith communities often become beacons of hope, offering comfort and solidarity to those affected by senseless violence. As parents navigating the complexities of family, community, and spiritual life, many of us hold our children and loved ones a little closer when news of such heartbreak emerges. This week, the Fort Wayne faith community has responded with heartfelt prayers and calls for action in the wake of the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where two young children lost their lives and 17 others were injured during a school Mass on August 27, 2025.

 

The incident, which authorities say involved a shooter identified as Robin Westman firing through church windows, has shaken Catholic communities nationwide. Here in Fort Wayne, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has been at the forefront of local responses, emphasizing unity, healing, and a renewed commitment to addressing gun violence through faith-guided action.

 

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, leader of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, released a poignant statement expressing deep mourning and solidarity. “In the wake of the terrible tragedy in Minneapolis, the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, we stand in prayerful solidarity with the Annunciation Catholic school and parish community. With them, we mourn the deaths of the two young children killed in the vicious attack and we pray for the full recovery of the 17 children and adults who were injured. We pray for all the parents and families afflicted by this senseless act of violence. I am reminded of the motto of Saint Benedict for his monks: ‘Ora et labora,’ which means ‘Pray and work.’ It’s not ‘prayer or work.’ So let us offer our continuing prayers for the victims of this horrible attack and also re-commit ourselves to action to eradicate gun violence in our country and to address the root causes of this violence, including the mental health crisis in our country.”

 

Adding to this message of resilience, David Mogle, superintendent of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, reflected on finding solace in faith amid national grief. He described the period as "a difficult time for Catholics across the country" but emphasized how his own faith has provided comfort, encouraging others to lean on spiritual strength during these trying moments.

 

Local Churches' Responses

 

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has actively engaged the community through statements and calls for both prayer and practical action. Bishop Rhoades' statement, shared on the diocese's social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), urges a dual approach of spiritual support and societal change to combat gun violence and mental health issues. While searches across news outlets and social media revealed no public statements from other major Fort Wayne churches such as Redeemer Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, or Three Rivers Wesleyan Church regarding this specific event, the Catholic diocese's response resonates deeply within our local faith circles.

 

Voices from Local Social Media

 

On the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend's X account (@diocesefwsb), the bishop's statement was posted, garnering likes and reposts from community members. Although no direct replies were noted on the post, it links to broader discussions in the diocese's publication, Today's Catholic, where the tragedy is contextualized within national grief. Local news outlet 21Alive News (@ABC21WPTA) also shared the bishop's full statement on X, highlighting his call to action against gun violence, which sparked views and engagement from Fort Wayne residents. These posts reflect a shared sense of solidarity, with the diocese emphasizing prayerful support for affected families while advocating for real-world efforts to prevent future tragedies.

 

This collective outpouring reminds us of the power of prayer to bind wounds and foster hope, especially for parents and families who cherish the safety of our schools and places of worship.

 

As we process this tragedy together, let us draw inspiration from Bishop Rhoades' call to action, blending our prayers with efforts to create safer communities for our children. In faith and fellowship, we can support one another through these dark times, trusting in a higher purpose that guides us toward healing and peace.

 

Resources for Support

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available:

 

• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 confidential support.
• Visit https://988lifeline.org for more information and resources.

 

If you suspect someone may be planning a violent act or notice suspicious activity that could lead to violence:

 

• For immediate threats, call 911.
• Report non-emergency suspicious activity to local law enforcement or your nearest FBI field office.
• Use the "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign: Visit https://www.dhs.gov/report-suspicious-activity or submit tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
• For school-related concerns, contact your local school's threat assessment team or refer to resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Prevention Resource Finder at https://www.dhs.gov/prevention.