Grace Cathedral

Dear Grace Cathedral Family,

The recent mass killing at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas today has shocked our nation. 19 precious children — all between the ages of 7 and 10 — and a teacher died in the violence, along with the alleged gunman. Others are injured.

Our hearts grieve for the victims and their families and friends. Our prayers for healing go out to those who are injured.

• We invite you to listen to Rev. Jude Harmon’s Sermon from this Sunday, May 29.

• We also invite you to visit Grace Cathedral and offer a prayer at the Gun Violence Altar.

This massacre that happened at a school that is 90 percent Latinx and 87 percent economically disadvantaged is deeply troubling. Sadly, instances of mass violence often affect our most vulnerable, marginalized communities.

Our hearts still ache with the memory of the tragedy of May 14, in Buffalo, New York, driven by racist hate.

We encourage you to speak with your children about the need for compassion, and the sober reality of the pernicious sin of gun violence.

We ask you to work within families and communities against all violence, and for a deeper peace.

We also ask you to join us in this prayer, from a Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting (www.bishopsagainstgunviolence.org):

God of peace, we remember all those who have died in incidents of mass gun violence in this nation’s public and private spaces.

Give to the departed eternal rest.

Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Grant survivors of gun violence comfort and healing.

Give peace to those who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

Protect and strengthen first responders who care for victims of gun violence.

Amen.