The faithful of the Diocese of Venice have joined in prayer with Annunciation Parish and Catholic School in Minneapolis in the wake of the senseless shooting on Aug. 27, 2025, that left two children dead, wounding 18 others.
Since the shooting, which occurred while students were at the first Mass of the school year, Diocesan Parishes have included extra prayer petitions expressing unity in Christ and consolation for the grieving families as well as the recovery of the wounded.
St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naples, which has its own Catholic school, hosted a Candlelight Prayer Vigil, Sept. 2, to pray for the protection of churches, schools, and children. Father Casey Jones, Pastor, led the service during which the faithful were encouraged to light a candle for the victims.
“We had a wonderful night of prayer and praise before the Blessed Sacrament remembering those affected by the act of terror,” Father Jones stated. “And praying for God’s protection on all of our schools and children. Prayer is power.”
In a statement released in the wake of the tragic shooting, the Diocese of Venice expressed how the news of the shooting left “all heartbroken. Such senseless acts of violence are unacceptable and nearly impossible to understand. Still, we seek God Our Father’s consolation for all those who now suffer.”
The statement went on to note how the safety and security of Diocesan Catholic schools has always been a priority and continues to be a critical component of the planning process for each academic year.
“Although it is believed that the Catholic Schools are secure, the Diocese is in ongoing communication with existing security teams as well as local law enforcement. In this context, we remain steadfast in commitment to campus safety,” the statement noted.
Please continue to pray for the faithful and students at Annunciation Parish and Catholic School, and for the intercession of the Lord to end the cycle of violence that plagues the country.
