Deacon Mike Linnenbrink, holding a cross, is surrounded by students during a prayer service at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Fort Madison Aug 28. The school recited the rosary to remember Annunciation School and Church members following a school shooting Aug. 27 in Minneapolis, Minn.
By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Davenport responded with empathy, prayers and support following news of another school shooting — this time at a Catholic church in Minneapolis filled with Catholic school students Aug. 27.
Chad Steimle, principal of John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport, said when he first learned of the shooting at Annunciation Church, “my stomach dropped and I had to hold back tears.” His email to parents noted that a folder on his computer contains past “shooting communications. I felt both angry and sickened that such a folder even needs to exist.”
He spoke of moments of fear, sadness and anger for both adults and children. “In fact, many of us adults will feel these emotions strongly and our children will notice,” Steimle wrote. “They need our presence — someone to walk beside them, listen and give them hope. Our faith, even through the darkest of times, gives us hope. After the cross came the resurrection.”
If a student struggled with the news of the mass shootings, he encouraged families to contact their teacher, any staff member or Emma Wolf of students support services. “We can support them,” Steimle said. He emphasized to parents the school’s safety assessments, policies, connections with the Scott County Emergency Management Agency and other measures.
“This year’s theme for JFK is ‘No Fear: The mighty power of Jesus is fighting for me here’ from Jon Reddick’s song ‘No Fear.’ I pray this message not only comforts us, but strengthens us with resolve to make our community and world better.”
Craig Huebner, principal at Holy Trinity Junior/Senior High School in Fort Madison said the school held a prayer service Aug. 28 and prayed the rosary for the Annunciation community. The school arranged for the availability of staff and any other services students need to deal with the tragedy. The staff reviewed safety procedures recently as they began a new academic year last week.
Father Mike Snyder, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in DeWitt, met with eighth-graders Aug. 29 over lunch and to plan the Sept. 3 all-school Mass. The Annunciation School family will be the focus of the Mass intentions, said Sharon Roling, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School.
She and Father Snyder are focusing on peace rather than the term “school shooting” because of the age of the students. “School safety is always a priority. We had a plan in place for a couple of years for school Masses,” Roling said.
“Our Clinton County Emergency Management Office, the DeWitt police, sheriff’s office and EMS have been working with Central DeWitt CSD and St. Joseph School to make sure our plans are up-to-date, timely and cover all aspects of school emergencies. I am grateful for the importance our law enforcement community places on the safety of our school and the partnership with area public school districts. In fact, DeWitt police officers walk through the school on a regular basis to keep an eye on us all,” she said.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport sent an email blast Aug. 27 to parishioners expressing grief over “the tragic loss of life” at Annunciation and asking for prayers for the “families, parish and community as they mourn this devastating loss.”
The email stated that St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School received a grant for enhanced safety measures that are being implemented in addition to measures that have been in place many years. “While it would be our preference to have the church open and accessible 24/7, in today’s world it is important/necessary to protect parishioners and visitors while they worship. We will continue to have regular safety audits and will make needed improvements as we are able.”
Bishop’s reflection
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the wake of the recent acts of violence that have shaken Annunciation Catholic School and the greater Minneapolis community, we encourage parents and educators to come together to offer not only our prayers but support. These events have left many feeling vulnerable, searching for comfort and reassurance, and seeking the hope that our faith inspires. In times of darkness, we are called as Christians to be bearers of light, to remember the words of Christ: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). It is in this spirit of peace, solidarity, and unwavering faith that we reaffirm our commitment to the values that define us and the mission that guides our Catholic schools as well as Annunciation Catholic School.
We stand with the students, faculty, staff, and families of Annunciation Catholic School, affirming our commitment to the sanctity of life and the call to build communities founded on compassion and nonviolence. Our faith teaches us not to respond with retaliation or fear, but with forgiveness, understanding, and a resolve to heal.
We invite every member of our Diocese of Davenport Catholic school communities to join in prayer for Annunciation Catholic School as well as for the safety of all students, the well-being of all faculty and staff, and the healing of all who are hurting. We pray for peace and for the courage to confront evil with goodness, and for the wisdom to protect all children regardless of what school they attend.
Pope Francis reminded us: “Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts.” May our actions reflect our faith, and may all school communities emerge stronger, more unified, and more determined than ever before to live out the Gospel.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Dennis G. Walsh
Bishop of Davenport
