Thursday marks one year since 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed when a gunman opened fire during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
The shooting, which injured dozens of others, “could have easily embittered hearts and turned many away from their faith,” Archbishop Bernard Hebda wrote in a newsletter this week.
Instead, members of the Annunciation community who shared their stories during an event last week “provided proof that even in the midst of such tragedy, there can be an outpouring of compassion, a meeting of hearts, a deepening sense of solidarity, and a turning to the Lord,” Hebda wrote.
“While I do not think that I ever had the pleasure of meeting Harper or Fletcher, I feel like I have come to know them through the stories that have been shared. They loved life, had already made many friends, and consistently brought joy into the lives of their classmates and families,” he added.
Annunciation Church said those who wish to support the parish and school may give directly to their Hope & Healing Fund.
“We don’t look at this as an anniversary or a celebration. We’re calling it Remembrance Day because we will never forget and we do remember the love, the light, the joy, the hope, the fellowship and the community that Harper and Fletcher brought to us in their brief time here on Earth,” Principal Matt DeBoer said in a video posted by Annunciation Church and School.
To that end, the city is holding a day of service and remembrance at Pearl Park in honor of the Annunciation community from 1-5 p.m. that is open to the public. However, all the gatherings on the Annunciation Church and School campus are reserved for Annunciation community members only.
Father Dennis Zehren, pastor at Annunciation Church and School, said the “outpouring of love from the community” has shown him that “there’s always reason for hope.”
“We keep seeking God in prayer. So many times I feel like I’ve hit a wall. How beautiful it is when we can go to silence and just know that God speaks to us there and that he wants to speak to us. He wants us to know his heart,” said Zehren.
Zehren and DeBoer asked for continued prayers for Annunciation Church and School and encouraged others to perform acts of service in their communities.
Many of the state’s political leaders also weighed in to mark the day of remembrance.
“We honor the lives taken that day, and all those affected by the loss and terror inflicted in the most evil way. Every child should be safe in school,” House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska said in a joint statement.
“Today we mourn the loss of Harper and Fletcher, we honor their memory, and we lift up their families, loved ones, and the entire Annunciation community,” added U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Additional resources for those seeking help or wishing to give can be found here or here.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
