Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan released the following statement this morning about the shootings at two church sites in Colorado.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events yesterday at New Life Church here in Colorado Springs and at the Youth With a Mission training center in Arvada. These acts of violence are senseless, but we can find strength in God to help us in this time of such great distress. I, together with all the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, extend our sympathy and prayers for the victims at New Life and Youth with a Mission and their families, and we pray for these communities as they begin to heal from this terrible tragedy.
We are all disturbed by the incidences of violence that seem to be occurring far more frequently in recent years. Evil is real and present, and so we pray, too, for an end to the culture of death that has so taken hold of our society. We pray also for the perpetrators of these crimes, people so disturbed that they saw fit to end the lives of other human beings.
Let us remember that Christ provides us great hope in His resurrection, and that He is present to us especially in times of great loss and sorrow. Christ was present yesterday at New Life Church and in Arvada, and He continues to be present as these communities come together for healing.
– Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan
Bishop of Colorado Springs
