Area Schools Respond To Tragedy With Prayer, Continued Vigilance

Monday, Dec. 17, was a day of prayer and reflection in the Catholic schools within the Diocese of Evansville, as teachers gathered students for special prayer services to honor the memory of those slain Thursday, Dec. 13, in Newton, Conn.

         “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, along with their families and friends,” said Daryl Hagan, superintendent of the Catholic Schools Office. “It is difficult to imagine the heartache they are experiencing.

         “Our response to this tragedy is a Catholic response – namely to hold the community of Newton, especially those directly impacted by this shooting, in our thoughts and prayers.”

         During the morning hours of Dec. 17, Catholic schools within the diocese held moments of silence in honor of the shooting victims and many prayed the rosary together. Nancy Mills, principal of St. Theresa School in Evansville, said that saying the rosary as a school created a “wave of calmness” for both students and faculty.

         “I sat behind all our students (during the rosary),” Mills said. “And I was able to look out over them and the teachers and feel the blessings of our community.”

         Hagan said that teachers and administrators also took time to reassure students that their schools are secure and that they are safe from harm while there. Counselors were also available to meet with students who were struggling to cope with the psychological aftermath of the tragedy.

         “The safety and security of our students and faculty is a topic that is always on our minds and constantly being discussed and examined,” said Hagan. “As a school system, we continually review and, when necessary, update our safety plans. We will continue to pursue this policy with the utmost vigilance in the weeks and months ahead.”