Gun violence is a scourge on our society. Senseless gun violence is tearing apart our neighborhoods. The media reports highlight gun violence in the St. Louis area, but all communities in the archdiocese are affected. From 2018 to 2021, there were 650 gun deaths in the city of St. Louis. That total was nearly matched in our counties outside the metropolitan area where 578 people lost their lives to guns. Gun violence is traumatizing families, schools, and parishes, in all corners of the archdiocese.
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Inaction is not an appropriate response. Doing nothing is not an option. We as Catholic people of goodwill and disciples of Christ need to work to end this culture of violence—and promote a culture of life.
Please join us for our one-day summit to learn more about the magnitude of gun violence in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and to consider what you and your parish can do to help end this senseless loss of life. We can begin the groundswell of Catholic voices saying we've had enough and we need to do something now!
After a welcome address by Archbishop Rozanski, we will hear from local health officials and those on the front lines about the crisis we are facing; we will hear the theological perspective that shapes the Catholic response to this violence; and we will hear from victims and victims advocates about the trauma inflicted; there will be numbers; there will be prayers; and there will be breakout sessions on several topics ranging from advocacy to schools and children to pastoral care. The afternoon will provide workshops to discuss how we can address the issue of gun violence through our parishes, schools, youth, and legislative advocacy.
Join us for the full day, or choose the morning or the afternoon session. Lunch will be provided. Please register, as space will be limited.