Dear Families in Catholic Education,
The news of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, has been heartbreaking and devastating, as the many others through the years. It's difficult to fathom the pain and suffering that the victims' families are experiencing now and for many years to come. One hateful act has changed their lives forever, and our hearts and prayers go out to them. This senseless violence has shaken the community, and we must come together to support those affected. This latest incident is especially difficult for our school communities due to the similarities to our own schools here in the Diocese of Jackson.
We share in concerns raised about campus safety and security. Our office has taken active steps to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Recently, the Office of Catholic Education participated in a law enforcement summit that addressed school safety, among other topics. As a result, we contracted with one of the organizers, who provided updated materials and suggestions to all schools in the diocese with regard to upgrading school safety. We are using our available resources to protect our students, faculty, staff, and administrators from any harm planned by people with depraved intentions.
We continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to the epidemic of gun violence that has gripped our nation. As a community, we must come together to denounce all forms of violence and take proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. We will continue our vigilance to protect our students while exercising compassion, empathy, and support for one another.
Yours sincerely,
Karla Luke
Executive Director for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Jackson
PDF Copy of Office of Education Letter