Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman issued a statement Wednesday afternoon on the mass shooting during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Bishop Eckman says “We hold close in prayer the students, families, teachers, parish community, and first responders. We ask the Lord to bring healing to the injured, eternal rest to those who have died, and consolation to all who mourn.”
He added that this story touches our local Church in a particular way. Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who shepherds the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is a native son of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, here at home, our Diocesan Director of Safety and Security, Wendell Hissrich, continues to actively monitor developments and to remain in close contact with law enforcement. Our schools remain vigilant, and followed established safety protocols today, as they do every day. We are grateful for the professionalism of our administrators, teachers, and staff who work each day to keep our children safe. (Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Pittsburgh)