Lincoln diocese after Minneapolis shooting: ‘Keeping our children safe is the primary goal’
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After a deadly shooting at a Catholic school Mass in Minneapolis on Wednesday, the safety of Catholic students in Lincoln is heavy on the minds of many.
The Diocese of Lincoln oversees nearly 30 schools in the area.
With kids just returning to classrooms, it released a statement on its safety protocol:
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the tragic shooting this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Bishop James Conley and the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln join together in offering prayers for the victims and their families.
Keeping our children safe is the primary goal of every school. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln have security measures in place to keep students and staff safe. In addition to physical security measures, schools have plans and procedures to provide a safe and secure learning environment. School staff are trained in these security plans and procedures, as well as standard protocols for responding to specific situations. The standard protocols enable all Catholic schools in the diocese to use common language and action-based steps depending upon the situation.
In addition to school security plans and procedures, the diocese provides resources to schools to support their ongoing work safeguarding students. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln also work closely with our community partners, including law enforcement, the Nebraska Department of Education, and public school districts, to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students.
We are continuously working to ensure the safety and security of every student in our classrooms. We lift up our prayers for the students in Minneapolis who lost their lives and those who were injured in this morning’s shooting. May God comfort them and watch over them.”
The diocese declined to comment on whether extra precautions would be taken at schools or Mass in the coming days.
Bishop James Conley shared his condolences in a post on Facebook:
“I am saddened to learn of the shooting this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The senseless loss of life is heartbreaking. I have sent a text to Archbishop Hebda, who is a longtime friend, pledging our prayers and solidarity with the victims, their families and the archdiocese. Please join with me in praying for all of them and for peace in our world.Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.”
