Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With Those in Minneapolis.

Dear Parishioners, School Parents and Friends of the Basilica:

We’ve all been intensely saddened and shocked by the attack on those attending the first school Mass of the year at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. That our own students were finishing Mass as this was happening unnerved many who might naturally worry about their own children’s safety in our school.  As a pastor, my heart breaks and grieves for those who endured this tragedy.  I can only imagine what the priest at the altar had to witness as children and elderly were killed and wounded in front of him. The effect on his ministry and on the lives of all who experienced this heinous action by a former student of their school cannot be understated.

Thankfully, we at Saint Peter’s have taken your safety seriously for years.  After the shooting at the AME bible study in Charleston, we immediately took action to limit access to one door of the Church.  Subsequently, under the leadership of Dr. Katharine Presty, we established an amazing safety team that continues to provide proactive presence to identify and address safety concerns during major parish activities. Indeed, and not known to many, two fully equipped team members were present at our school Mass and will continue to be present going forward.

Further, work has just been accomplished to add internal barrier doors in the school, and we have an amazing, controlled access system that is intensely monitored for both school and parish buildings. As I write this, I am happy to share that leaders of our Safety Team are working with the Columbia Police Department to enhance their presence on our compound.  We continue to work with all levels to include the FBI, Columbia Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Office to ensure we’re doing all we can to protect those attending our school and worshipping in our beautiful basilica.

Perhaps there are those among you who might wish to become a part of this effort.  Our Safety Team is incredibly well-trained and composed of many who are active or were active in law enforcement or the military.  I would especially welcome parents of our school children to volunteer for this ministry.  Having your presence on our team would help allay concerns of parents and teachers alike that we’re taking appropriate action to keep our people safe.

At the end of the day, we cannot become paralyzed by fear and allow it to rule our lives. Instead, we trust in God and pray His will be done even if at times we struggle to understand it.  May God bless you and may He help those enduring the tragedy at Annunciation to find healing and peace.

Fraternally,

Fr. Gary S. Linsky

The Very Rev. Canon Gary S. Linsky, VF, VP

Rector