When Words Aren't Enough: Taking Action After School Shootings

Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis witnessed another tragic school shooting, marking the first of the new school year.

A Year of Tragedy

• Over two dozen school shootings last year
• Kids should be safe at school, but they're not
• Running, hiding, sometimes not making it out alive

Words Fall Short

• "Tragic" and "heartbreaking" don't mean much anymore
• Governor Tim Walz: "There shouldn't be words for these types of incidents since they should not happen."

Principal's Heartbreak

• Matthew DeBoer, principal of Annunciation Catholic School, planned the school year's theme around hope
• After the shooting: "There's nothing that happened today that can fill us with hope."
• Lost two students, two "angels"

Call to Action

• DeBoer urged: Do more than just pray
• African proverb: "When you pray, move your feet."
• Asked for support for the community, children, families, and teachers

Archbishop's Sentiment

• Archbishop Bernard Hebda: Prayer is important, but action is too
• Church bell rang as he spoke, reminding everyone that prayer is a call to action
• Believes action is what will make a difference and bring hope