Colorado parish provides prayer, support for community after Evergreen High School shooting
In the wake of last week’s shooting at Evergreen High School, Christ the King Parish in Evergreen, Colorado, flung open its doors to pray and comfort a shaken community.
The Sept. 10 shooting in Jefferson County, Colorado, left two students in critical condition, one struck inside the building and another outside. The assailant, identified by authorities as 16-year-old student Desmond Holly, died from a self-inflicted injury after the attack.
The Denver Catholic reported that Father James Fox, pastor of Christ the King Parish, welcomed residents into the church the evening of the shooting. He began with words of peace and a song from his childhood before leading the congregation in Eucharistic Adoration.
Deacon Ronnie Hyatt guided those present in the Rosary, encouraging them to turn to Christ in a moment of deep sorrow.
“In moments when darkness feels overwhelming, we turn to the light of Christ,” Hyatt said. “Jesus is with us. He weeps with us, he comforts the brokenhearted, and he calls us to be a community of hope and love for one another.”Archbishop Samuel Aquila also responded, offering prayers for students, families, and teachers.
“My heart is with the students, parents, and teachers at Evergreen High School. Today, we grieve for those critically shot and those left frightened and shaken,” he said. “To our young people, know that Jesus is near you, hears your cries, and his Mother Mary holds you close. To hurting families, the Church is with you, and we lift you and your children up in prayer.”
Support services were provided on site by St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities. Gina Lanz, who directs the program, said many affected simply needed someone present.
“It didn't matter whether the folks we accompanied in their pain were believers or not,” Lanz told the Denver Catholic. “The power of presence is what it means to be Christ for one another.”
In the days that followed, Christ the King Parish partnered again with St. Raphael Counseling and Jefferson County providers to offer free counseling for children, teens, and adults.
“Caring for those in need emotionally and spiritually is as important, if not more so, than just the physical body,” Lanz said. “What we experience emotionally and spiritually stays with us long after the body heals. The community of Evergreen is in need right now.”
