Pray for Oregon!
After a tragic senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of 5 people--including 3 young students--at Silver Rail Elementary School on Oct. 15, the entire community of Bend, Oregon is in mourning today.
We learned during a press conference yesterday that a 16-year old boy had forced his way into the school, firing bullets to get passed the locked doors. He killed 3 students, one 5-year old, 8, and 11-year old, alongside a teacher before he was killed after a bystander had witnessed him walking into the building with a gun.
Two people are still in critical condition including a teacher and a 7-year old student.
One teacher, Sheil Smith, witnessed the teen approaching and hurried to get her students in one corner of the classroom.
She told CNN she saw her students turn to God:
“Some kids were praying, some kids were consoling other kids."
Shepherd to the local community, Bishop Thomas Hennen of the Diocese of Baker, released a statement:
"As bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Baker, which includes the city of Bend, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers for those whose lives were taken in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School today, for their families, loved ones, and, indeed, for the whole community.
"We expect that our schools are safe places for our children and all who pass through their doors. When a tragedy like this occurs, it shakes us to our core. It is only natural that we would be flooded with emotions at a time like this – shock, grief, fear, confusion, anger.
"It is also only natural that we want answers. There will be a time for answers as more information becomes known. Even as more is known about what happened, there are no adequate answers for why this happened. We can only mourn, support each other, and pledge ourselves to doing everything in our power to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"The Catholic community of central and eastern Oregon mourns with the families of the victims, the Silver Rail community and the city of Bend."
Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland told the entire community he is holding them close in prayer:
"My heart aches for the children, parents, and families of Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. No family should ever have to experience such fear and heartbreak. Please know that you are not alone. I hold you close in prayer, and the Church stands with you in this time of sorrow. We entrust those who have died to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ. May He embrace the grieving families and bring comfort to all who are suffering."
A candlelight vigil took place last night where the entire community came together to pray and hold loved ones close, remembering the lives tragically lost. The school is also offering counselors to those who are stricken with grief and fear today.