There there has been another school shooting, this time on a beautiful, sunny day at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
About 20 people, including the shooter, are believed to have been killed, according to news reports. Information about the shooting continues to come in.
Schools should be a safe place for students to learn. Students and staff shouldn’t have to worry about whether violence will erupt in their school.
Growing up, I don’t remember feeling anxious about whether there would be violence in my school. I remember coming home from school in April 1999 and hearing about the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.
In April 2007 I was a student at a Virginia college. I remember returning to my dorm room after class and learning about the shooting that took place across the state at Virginia Tech.
During the Christmas season we hear about “joy to the world” and “peace on earth.” I pray for peace on earth, good will towards men and an end to violence, particularly in our schools.