In light of the sad and troubling report that a 13-year-old Catholic school student has been arrested for allegedly murdering his father in Gypsum, Archbishop Samuel Aquila is asking the entire Archdiocese of Denver to join in prayer and support for the family and the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School community.
“No amount of words can take away the shock and grief we experience when we are faced with the evil of murder,” said Archbishop Aquila. “The only adequate response any of us can offer to those who are impacted by this tragedy is to bring them the forgiveness and mercy of Christ, to reassure them that they are cared for, and pray with them. We also must pray for the young boy who is suspected of this crime as well as the repose of the soul of his father and for his entire family.”
Msgr. Robert Kinkel, pastor of St. Clare’s, led a prayer service for the school community upon receiving the news. Counselors are also making themselves available to help students and families process this tragic event.
Msgr. Kinkel will celebrate a Mass for the entire student body later today. Reflecting on the responsorial Psalm for today’s Mass, Archbishop Aquila added, “the Church prays with the words of Psalm 31: ‘Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.’ Let us commend the souls of the deceased and of our entire community to the One who alone can give us lasting peace.”