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MCC: Special legislative session would be a first step in addressing gun violence

Jason Adkins — executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) — said Sept. 5 that Gov. Tim Walz’s call for a special legislative session to address gun violence in the wake of the Annunciation church shooting would be a first but insufficient step to address all issues involved.
Local News

Pope Leo XIV meets with Bishop Kenney, other bishops during annual formation courses

The pope "shared his story and encouraged all of us to live the calls we have received," Bishop Kenney said in a text message. "He is a very humble man and sincere in his words and actions!"
Featured

Sophia Forchas out of critical condition, remains in serious condition after Annunciation shooting

A Hennepin Healthcare spokesperson confirmed Sophia Forchas is out of critical condition. Forchas, 12, was a victim of the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation’s church in Minneapolis. She is in serious condition.
Featured

2 hurt in Annunciation shooting: In midst of tragedy, ‘heroes emerge’

In their statement, Ron and Sue Wilson called the Annunciation shooting "a tragedy that will scar the hearts of the victims, their families, and the church community forever."
Local News

Bus carrying 27 St. John the Baptist students involved in crash, no students injured

A school bus carrying 27 students from St. John the Baptist Catholic School in New Brighton was involved in a morning traffic accident on Interstate 35W in Mounds View Sept. 9. All students were assessed and required no further medical assistance, Principal Matt Weingartz said in two messages, one to faculty and staff of the school and the church and one to school parents and families.
Featured

Archdiocese provides private space for Annunciation families after traumatic shooting

Since Aug. 28, counselors, priests and deacons, therapy support dogs and even bunnies have been available to members of the Annunciation community directly impacted by the Aug. 27 shooting at an all-school Mass in the church.
Featured

Holy Angels community steps up with support for Annunciation families

In the hours following the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church during an all-school Mass Aug. 27 in Minneapolis, a wave of shock reverberated and traveled a few miles to Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, a Catholic high school that is close in proximity and strong in solidarity with Annunciation.
Local News

UPDATE: Annunciation shooting victim Lydia Kaiser is released from the hospital

Blessing her forehead and both hands with holy water from Lourdes, France, as she lay unconscious in a hospital bed in Minneapolis, Bishop Michael Izen prayed for 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, left in critical condition with head injuries when bullets tore through Annunciation’s church in Minneapolis one week before.
Local News

Guiding children after a tragedy

The tragic events that unfolded at Annunciation church in Minneapolis Aug. 27, when a shooter opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows and struck children from the parish school as they celebrated Mass, will have long-lasting effects on the greater Minnesota community for years to come.
Featured

Fletcher Merkel funeral service held a mile from Annunciation church

The funeral service for Fletcher Merkel, 8, was held Sept. 7 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, just over a mile from Annunciation Catholic Church, where he and another student were shot and killed during an Aug. 27 all-school Mass. Eighteen other students and three adults were injured. The suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Local News

People across the country join archdiocese in rosary for Annunciation

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, three Catholic elementary school students and one of their teachers led a rosary of the sorrowful mysteries Sept. 5 for Annunciation in Minneapolis.
Featured

Annunciation shooting survivor embraces mission to help bring Jesus, healing to Annunciation youth

Ellie Mertens huddled under a pew at Annunciation church in Minneapolis on the morning of Aug. 27 as a barrage of bullets screamed past her, mere inches from her head.
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UPDATED WITH HOMILY VIDEO: Annunciation pastor says first parish Mass after church shooting is a ‘humble beginning’
UPDATE: Vice President Vance, Second Lady visit Annunciation
UPDATE: Annunciation shooting victim Lydia Kaiser is released from the hospital
Fletcher Merkel funeral planned for Sept. 7
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