The Chaminade Julienne community joins with so many others in the region in the sense of grief and shock from the tragedy in the historic Oregon District early this morning (Sunday, August 4). While our hearts have broken many times by the losses experienced in other cities, including El Paso, Texas yesterday, nothing can adequately prepare us to learn of the families and people – our friends and neighbors — whose lives have been changed forever.

We are grateful to the Dayton Police Department and other first responders for their brave action, and to the medical professionals in our community for their care of those injured. And, we are grateful to all those who have volunteered to minister to family members who are learning today that they will need to carry on without someone they loved.

We pray for all of the victims of this senseless violence: those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and those who experienced indescribable moments of fear. May our good God grant them peace and consolation.

Chaminade Julienne is proud of our community and those who step forward united in times of challenge and sadness. We are confident that, once again, the people of the Dayton region will grieve together, pray together, and come together to make our community even stronger.