A statement from Saint Paul Seminary Rector Fr. Joseph Taphorn on the shooting that occurred the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis:
“Our hearts and our prayers are with the students, families, teachers and community members impacted by this tragic, senseless act of violence. We pray in a particular way for the repose of the souls of the children whose lives were lost, for their grieving families during such a horrific time, and for the swift and full recovery of those injured. We also lift up Fr. Dennis Zehren, a 2004 Saint Paul Seminary alumnus who was recently named pastor at Annunciation, and Deacon Kevin Conneely, ordained in 2023 after attending our Institute for Diaconate Formation. Finally, our prayers are with members of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis, which experienced a nearby mass shooting less than 24 hours before the one at Annunciation.
“We live in a fallen world, and we can’t always explain why such unspeakable suffering is allowed to take place — especially in the Lord’s house during a liturgy, our highest form of worship this side of eternity. But we do know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, and that He will always bring about the ultimate good no matter how evil the situation.” — Fr. Joseph Taphorn, Saint Paul Seminary rector
“We live in a fallen world, and we can’t always explain why such unspeakable suffering is allowed to take place — especially in the Lord’s house during a liturgy, our highest form of worship this side of eternity. But we do know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, and that He will always bring about the ultimate good no matter how evil the situation.
“Please join the entire Saint Paul Seminary community in asking our Lord for healing, peace and reconciliation on this day, the Feast of St. Monica, whose prayers for her child echo throughout the centuries of our Church.”
The seminary’s previously scheduled Mass for new seminarians Aug. 27 was offered for those affected by these events.
Those wishing to support the Annunciation community during this time may do so via the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund recently set up by the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota.