MEDIA CONTACT:
Kayla Snider, interim media contact, 303-715-3230
July 20, 2012
Archbishop Aquila to offer Mass tonight for those
impacted by Aurora shooting
Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila will lead a Mass tonight, July 20, for those killed, survivors, family and all those impacted by the multiple shootings at the Century Movie Theater in Aurora early Friday morning.
The liturgy will be held at 5 p.m. at Queen of Peace Parish, 13120 E. Kentucky Ave., Aurora, 80012. Archbishop Aquila will be joined at the Mass by priests of the region.
In addition, Regina Caeli Counseling Services of Catholic Charities will offer counseling over the next few weeks to those directly impacted as survivors or family members of victims. For more information about this service or to schedule an appointment, contact Meredith Stoops of Catholic Charities at 720-377-1359.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted by this evil act,” Archbishop Aquila and Auxiliary Bishop James Conley said in a joint statement issued early this morning. “They do not stand alone. As Catholic bishops, we ‘weep with those who weep.’”
The chaos and darkness of that evil can be overcome, the bishops said.
“For those who were killed, our hope is the tender mercy of our God,” the statement went on to say. “’Neither death nor life,’ reflected St. Paul, ’can separate us from the love of God.’ We commend their souls, and their families and friends, to God’s enduring love.
“For those who were wounded—physically, emotionally and spiritually—our hope is in their recovery and renewal. To them we offer our prayers, our ears to listen, and our hearts to love.”
The bishops also urged prayer for the perpetrator’s conversion.
“Evil ruled his heart last night,” the bishops said. “Only Jesus Christ can overcome the darkness of such evil. We hope that all of us may find the peace which surpasses understanding.
The full statement of Archbishop Aquila and Bishop Conley can be found on the archdiocese’s Web page, www.archden.org.
The archdiocese has six parishes in the Aurora deanery, four of them in relative proximity to the theater. As of 11 a.m. Friday, two of the parishes have reported that parishioners were affected by the tragedy. In each case, they were counseled by a priest.
Anyone wishing to speak with a priest regarding this tragedy may call Msgr. Bernard Schmitz, Vicar for Clergy, at 303-715-3197.
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