January 26, 2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
Last Friday, I was returning to the Rectory from a burial service when I saw much of Muncaster Mill Road blocked off around Col. Zodok Magruder High School. By now, we have all heard about the 17-year-old student in custody for allegedly shooting a 15-year-old student in a school bathroom; this incident resulted in an hours-long lockdown of the school until the alleged shooter was apprehended. His victim continues to fight for his life.
Like you, my heart ached when I became aware of the school shooting. I was immediately concerned for the safety of all the children and staff present – some of whom are members of our parish -- while also being concerned for the families of the children. I also began to pray for anyone who was hurt.
At times like this, we are reminded of the fragility of life and what matters most. We wonder about what we could do to prevent violence and the loss of human life. I continue to wonder about that while also praying that God will lead us where we need to go and do what we need to do to keep all children safe.
I want children in our parish to know that they are loved and are as safe as possible in our faith community. As the adults in our parish, we need to do all we can to convey this to our parish’s youth again and again. What occurred at Magruder High School reminds us that we must reflect on how our families and communities can best help our young people feel love, know they belong, and feel safe because caring adults are looking out for them.
Some of you may be feeling anger over what transpired at Magruder. It’s normal to feel that way. I offer some of the following ideas and recommendations, which are based on strategies offered by Dr. Dobie Moser, executive director of youth, young adults, and the Catholic Youth Organization in the Diocese of Cleveland (OH).
- When a traumatic event occurs, each person experiences the trauma in ways that are unique to them. Provide the relational space to listen and allow young people to express what they are feeling and thinking about the trauma.
- Use these essential building blocks of foundational trauma work. Listen to what a young person is feeling, experiencing, and thinking. Honor each person’s observations, acknowledging that you heard what they are saying and that you understand their interpretation of the experience. Connect with young people, helping them begin to take the step of moving forward.
- Read the book, “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You” by Nancy Tillman. It’s a children’s book about a person’s love being with a child wherever their life takes them.
Let us continue to hold all young people, families, and our community in prayer during this time. Have a blessed and wonderful week!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Wednesday, January 26:
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by parishioner Ralph Chite.
- Rosary in Spanish at 6:30 pm. Led by Deacon Will Garcia.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
- Mass at 7:30 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help following the evening Mass. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
Thursday, January 27:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
Friday, January 28:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Parish Resources:
Sign up for the Parish Listening Sessions
Our virtual parish listening sessions for the archdiocesan synod are underway, with the inaugural session having taken place on Saturday, January 15. Please join us for the second and third listening sessions, which will take place on the following dates:
- Saturday, January 29: Second Listening Session from 10-11:30 am on Zoom. Small Group topics: Listening, Speaking Out, and Sharing Responsibility for Our Common Mission and Sharing Authority and Participation.
- Saturday, February 5: Third Listening Session from 10-11:30 am on Zoom. Small Group topics: Discerning and Deciding, Celebration, and Holy Spirit.
