Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
“In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.” That psalm response from yesterday’s Mass has been resonating in my heart as we continue to confront the impact of the August 27 tragedy at Annunciation, Minneapolis. We are reminded to turn to our God at this time and always.
I’m so grateful for the many emails, calls and letters promising prayers for the families of Annunciation and for the Archdiocese, as well as for the support that has been given to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund. I also appreciate the advice that so many of you have been offering for how we can concretely and locally respond to Pope Leo’s request that we work for an end to the “pandemic of arms.”
I continue to be grateful as well for the many signs of the Lord’s presence that we have received in the midst of our challenges, reminders that Jesus is the true Light who shines in the darkness. I’ve spoken about many local examples in recent weeks, pointing in particular to the heroism, faith and resilience of the Annunciation community.
One of those rays of hope came yesterday in the canonization by Pope Leo of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young and relatable examples of holiness, already well known among our Catholic young adult and teenage communities. Both passed away from illness at a young age: Carlo at 15 and Pier Giorgio at 24.
In an era in which commentators are noting that younger generations seem to be returning to the faith, it comes as no surprise that the two newly canonized young people are being heralded as saints for our times. Saint Carlo Acutis, our first Millennial saint, played video games and built a website to share Eucharistic miracles with the world. Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, born 90 years before Carlo, shared his joyful witness by serving those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and by leading his peers to an encounter with Christ.
I can’t help but think of these saints in light of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, the two students at Annunciation whose earthly lives were cut short as a result of the tragic shooting in Minneapolis. As I recall the descriptions of Fletcher at his funeral yesterday and as I continue to learn about Harper, it is clear to me that their extraordinary zest for life, their kindness and their sense of wonder about God’s creation would have made them good friends of Pier Giorgio and Carlo, young people who shared those traits.
Like Saints Carlo and Pier Giorgio, Harper and Fletcher remind us that even a short life can have a tremendous impact. They clearly brought light and joy to their families and to the Annunciation community, and I am counting on their heavenly intercession, as well as that of our two newly canonized saints, as we strive to be the Lord’s instruments as he works to bring hope and healing into a grieving community. “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.”
I continue to be grateful as well for the many signs of the Lord’s presence that we have received in the midst of our challenges, reminders that Jesus is the true Light who shines in the darkness. I’ve spoken about many local examples in recent weeks, pointing in particular to the heroism, faith and resilience of the Annunciation community.
One of those rays of hope came yesterday in the canonization by Pope Leo of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young and relatable examples of holiness, already well known among our Catholic young adult and teenage communities. Both passed away from illness at a young age: Carlo at 15 and Pier Giorgio at 24.
In an era in which commentators are noting that younger generations seem to be returning to the faith, it comes as no surprise that the two newly canonized young people are being heralded as saints for our times. Saint Carlo Acutis, our first Millennial saint, played video games and built a website to share Eucharistic miracles with the world. Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, born 90 years before Carlo, shared his joyful witness by serving those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and by leading his peers to an encounter with Christ.
I can’t help but think of these saints in light of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, the two students at Annunciation whose earthly lives were cut short as a result of the tragic shooting in Minneapolis. As I recall the descriptions of Fletcher at his funeral yesterday and as I continue to learn about Harper, it is clear to me that their extraordinary zest for life, their kindness and their sense of wonder about God’s creation would have made them good friends of Pier Giorgio and Carlo, young people who shared those traits.
Like Saints Carlo and Pier Giorgio, Harper and Fletcher remind us that even a short life can have a tremendous impact. They clearly brought light and joy to their families and to the Annunciation community, and I am counting on their heavenly intercession, as well as that of our two newly canonized saints, as we strive to be the Lord’s instruments as he works to bring hope and healing into a grieving community. “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.”
Mass for Persons with Disabilities (Sept. 14)
This Mass includes celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities who have completed Confirmation classes. Sing–along begins at 2:30 p.m.; Mass is at 3 p.m. (including a sign language interpreter). Stay for socialization and light refreshments after Mass.
Red Mass (Sept. 19)
The annual Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert Barron. The Red Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild. The Red Mass is for all lawyers, judges, law students and those involved in the administration of justice. All are welcome to attend.
Guiding children after a tragedy
Many parents and caregivers are worried about how their children are coping with the shooting, and how best to address questions their children may have now and in the future.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
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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After the unthinkable: Holding on to hope
How can Mary’s faith inspire us to face fear and uncertainty with courage? Bishop Michael Izen shares powerful insights for families and disciples today. Plus, Pat Millea from the Martin Center for Integration offers hope and healing strategies for those coping with grief and trauma in our community.
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175th Snapshot: Two churches, twin cities
While Archbishop John Ireland was the archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, not one but two magnificent churches were built. The first was the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the second, the Basilica of Saint Mary, which would become the first basilica in the United States.
Building of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, St. Paul
Building of the Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
Watch this summer for Archdiocesan Passport Adventure updates and snapshots from our 175-year history in each Weekly Word!
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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Sept. 8, 2025