The shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Missouri has shaken Catholic schools nationwide, raising fears about safety in places that are often seen as sanctuaries for faith and learning.

“It’s hard to believe that people can still target places that are meant for worship,” Michael Iniquez ‘27 said. “God’s house is supposed to be a safe space, and it’s horrifying to think about how others are fearing their lives in it.”

Parishioners who gathered for Sunday worship were left in shock as violence pierced through a moment meant for worship and teaching. Parents rushed to the school attached to the parish, desperate for reassurance that their children were safe. 

The tragedy has left many students, teachers, and families grappling not only with the grief but also with the unsettling realization that even spaces of faith are not immune to such acts of violence.

“I can only imagine the dread and grief they were feeling before even knowing their loved ones were alright,” Emily Slakes ‘27 said.

Across the country, Catholic dioceses, school administrators, and faith leaders have expressed solidarity with the Minneapolis community. Vigils and prayer services have been organized, while religious educators are re-examining security protocols. 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement calling for both comfort for the victims and a renewed commitment to ensuring schools and churches are the safe havens they were meant to be.

“Whenever one part of the Body of Christ is wounded, we feel the pain as if it were our very own children,” Archbishop William E. Lori, vice-president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said. “Let us all beg the Lord for the protection and healing of the entire Annunciation family.”