Clik here to view.
photo courtesy of Salpointe Catholic High School
Salpointe unites community in prayer to remember the anniversary of the Tucson shootings (press release)
Tucson, Ariz. – Salpointe Catholic High School will host a prayer service to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Tucson Tragedy.The service will take place at Salpointe Catholic High School, 1545 E. Copper Street, Monday, January 9 promptly at 8:20 a.m.
Students, faculty, staff and community will gather hand-in-hand around the school’s track to pray for those lost, the families left behind, and our Tucson community as it continues to heal. The public is welcome to attend.
“That day, January 8, 2011, was surreal. Something of that magnitude happens in other cities, bigger cities, but not in Tucson. I think this tragedy is still very fresh in so many minds. It is a harsh reminder that our world is not fixed. This remembrance is a reminder that despite uncertainty and loss, we are strong when we come together,” said Gail Urbanski, director of campus ministry at Salpointe.
The service will include prayer, a poem reading, and a reflection.
“This tragedy had a deep impact on our community. Several alumni and current students’ families were involved, and was it a very tragic and personal loss,” said Kay Sullivan, Salpointe president. “The prayer service provides a dedicated place and time for our community to continue healing together.”Federal Judge John Roll, a Lancer alumnus from the class of 1965, was among those fatally wounded. He is survived by his wife, Maureen O’Connor Roll ‘67, and their children Patrick ‘92, Robert ‘88, and Christopher.
Other members of the Salpointe community were injured during the gunman’s rage: Mary Reed, the mother of Emma McMahon ’11, shot three times as she shielded her children from the flying bullets; Pam Simon, mother of Fritz ’93 and Summer ’96; Col. Bill Badger, father of Christian ’07; and Ron Barber, husband of Nancy Richardson Barber ’64, brother of Ethel ‘Marie’ Barber Fox ’77, brother-in-law of Judy Richardson Tully ’66, Peggy Richardson Sterner ’69, Alice Richardson Morkert ’77, uncle of Sara Tully Lev ’90, Laura Tully Zwickl ’93, Karen Tully ’95, Megan Sterner ’99, Lindsey Morkert ’03, Grace Morkert ’06 and Steven Morkert ’09.
Nancy Bowman, R.N., and David Bowman, M.D., parents of Troy ’08 and Brenna ’09 were shopping at Safeway and were first responders to those injured in the rampage.
Dr. Martin Weinand, neurosurgeon and father of Michael ’07, Lauren ’08 and Megan ’08, was on-call at University Medical Center on the day of the tragedy; he was on the team that performing brain surgery and saved the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.Contacts:
Kay Sullivan
President
Salpointe Catholic High School
520-547-5878
development@salpointe.org
www.salpointe.orgGail Urbanski
Director of Campus Ministry
Salpointe Catholic High School
520-547-4448
gurbanski@salpointe.orgAbout Salpointe Catholic High School:
Since opening its doors in 1950, Salpointe Catholic has enjoyed a distinguished reputation for its strong curriculum, competitive athletics, highly-acclaimed fine arts, faith-strengthening religious program and spirited co-curricular activities. Salpointe is a Catholic, Carmelite college-preparatory high school enrolling 1,130 students. The school is certified by the Western Catholic Educational Association and accredited as a college-preparatory school by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
As most of you know by now, it’s been a year since that shooting rampage at the NW Safeway (Ina/Oracle). Chief U.S. District Judge John Roll died that day from the gunshot wounds. A very moving Special Court Session in memory of Judge Roll was held on Friday, January 6 at the TCC Music Hall. Particularly eloquent were the closing remarks by Honorable District Court Judge Raner Collins who knew Judge Roll for over 35 years and he spoke highly of Salpointe Catholic High’s influence on John Roll, who read the Bible daily and who “tried to walk humbly with his God.” Two other District Court judges (Robert Broomfield and Jennifer Zipps) and his last law clerk Michael Waits spoke of how humble and exemplary Judge Roll was, and his “unswerving sense of justice”.
Both Congresswoman Gifford’s aides Ron Barber (District Director) and Pam Simon (Community outreach coordinator) were shot twice that day. Congresswoman Giffords (shot once in the head) and Barber are still recovering from their gunshot wounds. Mary Reed was shot 3 times and has recovered, along with Pam Simon.
Dr. Bowman and his nurse wife Nancy are featured in the “Together We Heal” PBS documentary broadcasting tonight on KUAT Channel 6, at 6 p.m. Click here for blog. Ret. Army Col. Bill Badger was one of the two men who tackled shooter Jared Loughner down at that Safeway, and is one of 12 Americans featured in the December 2010/January 2011 issue of AARP magazine.
Our prayers for full recovery to those injured on January 8, 2011, and condolences again to Judge Roll’s family.