Church Bells To Ring Out In Memory Of Annunciation Church Shooting Victims Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Churches across the Twin Cities metro area are being asked to ring their bells at 8:26 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, and residents are asked to place two candles or lights in their windows, marking one year since the shooting at the Church of the Annunciation killed two students, Harper Lillian Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Alexander Merkel, 8. Dozens of other students were injured.

This year's remembrance theme is "Guide Our Feet Into the Way of Peace," drawn from the Gospel of Luke.

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Fletcher's father has asked that his son be remembered for who he was, describing him as a boy who loved family, fishing and sports. Harper's family described her as a bright, joyful 10-year-old whose laughter and kindness touched everyone who knew her.

The city is also holding a day of service Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Pearl Park, 414 E. Diamond Lake Rd. Community members can reserve a spot or stop by to plant flowers and trees, assemble care kits for youth and collect school supplies.

The care kits will go to Avenues for Youth, which serves youth experiencing homelessness, and the school supplies will go to Minneapolis Public Schools students.

In a statement, the Parish of the Annunciation said its faith remains central to its healing, adding that prayer also calls the community to action.

The parish is encouraging people to mark the anniversary by serving others and spreading kindness in their own communities, and pointed to organizations including Catholic Charities, Bridging, Every Meal, Second Harvest Heartland and Memorial Blood Centers.

The community is requesting privacy. All Annunciation events at the church Thursday are private and closed to the public and media, and organizers asked that people not send stuffed animals, flowers, food or other physical donations.

Anyone wishing to support the community can donate to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund through the Catholic Community Foundation.