SAVANNHA, Ga, () — The shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead, and many others wounded, is sending shockwaves through communities across the country.

The Diocese of Savannah says faith, community and time can help families navigate the fear and uncertainty that follow tragedies like this.

Deacon Kevin Knight, chancellor and chief operating officer of the Diocese of Savannah recalled his thoughts after hearing the news.

“The fear that I knew that must be within the parents, within that community of, first of all, a tragic event,” Knight said. “Second, the not knowing who’s involved, my heart just ached for them. I immediately prayed for peace to find them. In that kind of event, the unknown is what creates chaos, and the unknown is what creates fear.”

Knight said communities can begin to heal by staying connected with one another while keeping prayer at the forefront.

“As we know, through prayer and staying as a strong community, light will prevail over darkness and healing will come to that community,” he said.

He added that the Catholic faith offers a sense of unity in moments of tragedy.

“The beautiful thing, especially with the Catholic faith, we know that around the world yesterday, every catholic community that heard of the events that happened in Minneapolis, they were in prayer praying for those families that were directly impacted,” he said. “So, the thought and the knowledge of the power of a universal prayer throughout the world is pretty hopeful in those situations because you don’t feel quite alone.”

Knight also said professional guidance is available for Catholic schools in the Savannah area.

“We are always available for pastoral care,” he said. “We have priest deacons that can help in a parish environment, in the school environment, the office of catholic schools. We do have professionally trained, school counselors.  We have teachers that can reach out to those young men and women that may be in schools and to provide them any calmness in their life they need, because in that moment, we don’t know answers. All we can do is provide a calm and peaceful environment to try to help focus away from the chaos.”

The Diocese of Savannah posted a response to the tragedy on Wednesday: “Our Lady of Sorrows, intercede for those mourning the loss or injury of their loved ones at Annunciation Catholic School today. Eternal rest grant until them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.”