ST. PAUL, Minn. \u2014 Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda is encouraging the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and all community members to be \u201cbeacons of light\u201d as the one-year mark of a fatal shooting during an all-school Mass at Annunciation School and Church in Minneapolis approaches.<\/a><\/p>\n In a newsletter released Aug. 24, the archbishop wrote that Aug. 27, 2025, \u201ccontinues to have an impact on so many others connected with the parish, its school, and its families.\u201d<\/p>\n In reflecting on the loss of 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel that day, the archbishop wrote that \u201cI have no doubt that their absence will be forever felt. My heart continues to go out to all who feel their loss.\u201d<\/p>\n The archbishop also wrote that \u201cI give thanks to God for the many ways in which he continues to bring healing into the lives of the others who were directly impacted by last year\u2019s shooting. How blessed we are to have such excellent first responders and medical care here in our corner of Minnesota! I know that the Lord was compassionately working through them and through the perseverance and courage demonstrated by each of those who were injured.\u201d<\/p>\n The archbishop also acknowledged an Aug. 19 gathering of parishioners and visitors in Edina, a Minneapolis suburb.<\/p>\n \u201cThe four speakers who shared their experiences from last Aug. 27 (an Annunciation teacher, two parents, and a student wise beyond her years) each provided proof that even in the midst of such tragedy, there can be an outpouring of compassion, a meeting of hearts, a deepening sense of solidarity, and a turning to the Lord,\u201d the archbishop wrote.<\/p>\n The archbishop continued: \u201cI am grateful that the over 300 attendees who were privileged to hear their stories, to pray with them, and to break bread with them could walk away that evening with assurances that faith had been shaken, but not destroyed. While many hearts are understandably still hurting, we can also see how they have been fortified by the love, prayers and support that have been poured out in response to this tragedy. I sure hope that the Annunciation Light Alliance, the sponsor of the event, will be welcomed into other parishes and schools for similar evenings.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/thedialog.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/08092138\/HB.140.LB_.1.jpg\"\/)
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