Bishop Joensen and Donna Bishop, Schools Superintendent, Release Statement Following Annunciation Shooting in Minneapolis

August 27, 2025

The hearts of the people of the Diocese of Des Moines—especially all who are involved in the mission of Catholic education—are searingly shocked and moved to prayer by the news of today’s gruesome shooting at the Annunciation Parish School Mass in South Minneapolis.  Such wanton disregard for the little ones Jesus holds dear to himself defies explanation and is a reflection of evil and brokenness in our world.

Our prayers are with the families most touched by this grievous event, with Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis and all the faithful and people of the Twin Cities region.  Our respective dioceses have many historic, personal points of connection, and we stand in solidarity of spirit and grief with them all.

Building upon our existing protection measures and emergency response plans, we encourage our pastors and school administrators to have heightened vigilance at this time and our focus will remain on continued training and preparation regarding the health and safety of the children entrusted to us.