Helping Children and Our Community Heal After the Events at Annunciation School

Katie Heruth

mom and child sad and hugging

Supporting Minneapolis Families and Children After the Annunciation School Tragedy

Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside the children, families, and educators at Annunciation School in Minneapolis. In the days and weeks ahead, parents and caregivers may feel overwhelmed—unsure how to comfort their children while also processing their own emotions. Healing will take time, but together as a community, we can support one another and help our children feel safe again.

Here are some ways to care for children—and ourselves—during this difficult time:

Supporting Our Children at Home

  • Offer extra comfort. A hug, a hand to hold, or sitting quietly together provides reassurance and security.

  • Keep routines steady. Familiar schedules help restore a sense of normalcy in uncertain times.

  • Be mindful of media exposure. Limit news and social media and gently guide conversations about what your child has seen or heard.

  • Answer questions honestly. Share information that is age-appropriate and factual, but avoid overwhelming details.

  • Reassure with hope. Let your child know that nothing changes your love for them, and that your family and community are here for them.

  • Encourage expression. Art, music, play, or writing can help children process big feelings.

  • Support healthy outlets. Movement—walking, biking, playing—helps release stress.

  • Lead with love. Your calm presence provides comfort and security when kids need it most.

How Our Community Can Help Annunciation Families

As parents and neighbors in Minneapolis, we can take active steps to surround Annunciation with care:

  • Show up with meals and practical support. Meal trains, grocery gift cards, or snack donations for classrooms can ease burdens for families and teachers.

  • Offer childcare or rides. Helping with drop-offs, pick-ups, or after-school care can give parents breathing room.

  • Give to community funds. Watch for parish- or school-led fundraising efforts to directly support families and educators.

  • Send messages of encouragement. Notes, drawings from children, or cards of support can remind teachers and students that they are not alone.

  • Share professional resources. If you’re a counselor, social worker, or faith leader, consider offering your time or expertise.

  • Check in gently. A simple text, phone call, or porch visit to ask “How are you doing?” can mean so much.

🕊 Annunciation School Community Help Corner

This section will be updated as new opportunities to help emerge. Please check back often for the latest ways to support Annunciation families, school, and staff.

 

📌 Current Opportunities to Help-

Fundraisers for Students and Teachers:

 

 

  • Annunciation Response Fund, created with the Minneapolis Foundation establishing a text-to-donate line. Anyone wishing to donate to support the victims of the shooting can text “ACF1” to 41444.

 

  • Uvalde Foundation For Kids has launched a national initiative to provide financial support for the families of the two children who were killed at Annunciation. Those funds will assist with burial, memorial and general expenses for the families. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.

 

  • The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota donation page, with grants for Annunciation Church.

 

 

  • Volunteer Sign-Up: Coming soon

 

  • Local Counseling & Grief Support Resources: See resources below

 

 

  • Reach out to your elected officials. Find your representatives here

 

If you know of additional resources or initiatives, please reach out so we can share them here.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

In moments like these, the strength of Minneapolis is found in the way we hold one another up. Together, we can help the children of Annunciation—and each other—take the next step toward healing.

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