Pastor's Corner

Violent attacks and shootings occur all too often in our nation, causing great pain, grief, anguish, and death. As a faith community, our bishops have asked us to seek healing in the aftermath of the recent school shootings in Uvalde, Texas.

The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement:
“There have been too many school shootings, too much killing of the innocent. Our Catholic faith calls us to pray for those who have died and to bind the wounds of others, as we join our prayers along with the community in Uvalde and (their archbishop) Gustavo Garcia-Siller. As we do so, each of us also needs to search our souls for ways that we can do more to understand this epidemic of evil and violence and implore our elected officials to help us take action.”

The need for healing is reflected in the following prayer. The substance of this prayer has been composed by Texas Pastor Max Tyner, who addressed the pain and conflict which existed in our nation at a prior time. It has been adapted and slightly modified to more closely reflect the recent tragic events in our nation.

A PRAYER FOR NATIONAL HEALING

Gracious and loving God,
we come as Your children with sorrow in our hearts, and lives that are confused and disturbed.
Recent weeks have brought death, anguish, and distress to so many people.
We pray, O Lord, that you will heal this nation.
Give peace and comfort to those who are in sorrow.
Give healing and strength to those who have suffered injury and hurt at this time.
Be with those who are working under such difficult circumstances.
Give wisdom and guidance to the president of this nation and be with the political leaders
as they make grave decisions necessary at this time.
We ask, Lord, that you heal us, as a people,
that we may join hands and work together for the good of all.
>
Grant us the wisdom and faith to see that only in You are true love and joy ever found.
Where we have wandered from Your will, put us back on the path You would have us follow.
May we rise up as a nation committed to Your teachings and Your will and a light to the world.
This we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.