PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg is responding after a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church left two children dead and 17 others injured Wednesday morning.

According to Minneapolis Chief of Police Brian O’Hara, a 23-year-old gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church before taking his own life.

The two children were ages 8 and 10, and among the 17 injured, there were three adults and 14 children, with the youngest being 6 years old. 

Chris Pastura, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, said safety remains the top priority in local schools.

“Our first goal with all of our children is to keep them safe. And sadly, our world is such that evil is present,” Pastura said.

He said the diocese is reviewing security protocols while also grieving with church leaders in Minnesota.

“We are heartbroken for our colleagues in Minnesota. As an educator, this is the worst-case scenario,” Pastura said. “We have our security there all the time while the kids are there because we know that is a place where we’re vulnerable.”

Pastura said the diocese regularly evaluates its safety procedures.

“Every time an incident like this happens or every time something changes, we have to adapt,” he said. “Evil is a reality, and people of faith have to be thoughtful, prayerful and wise.”

Pastura added that while safety is the first concern, school leaders are also focused on supporting students, staff and families through faith and community.

Pastura sent a letter to parents and guardians of the diocese reminding them of the security measures that are in place, which include:

• Comprehensive school safety assessments conducted in partnership with the local sheriff’s offices and police departments.
• Training in mental health first aid for administrators and school counselors.
• Implementation of the Diocesan Threat Assessment Protocol.
• Use of the Raptor system for identification screening, drills, and one touch 911 contact.
• Armed school security officers in schools and during school Masses.
• Enhanced and specialized training for principals and school security officers in all five counties, in partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Priest Secretary to Bishop Gregory Parkes and Chaplain for St. Petersburg Catholic High School John D’Elia said community and faith will play a role in helping people cope.

“I think now more than ever it’s important for people to gather together to support one another, and to show that that goodness is much greater than the power of evil,” D’Elia said. “And we can be a witness to that. I think especially coming to Mass on Sundays is a concrete sign that that we won’t allow evil to overcome us.”

In response to Wednesday’s shooting, Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg issued this statement:

Today, we are confronted with a heartbreaking act of evil and violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact that the victims were innocent children, and the adults caring for them, who were attending the celebration of the Holy Mass, a sacred time when the faithful gather in prayer and communion with God.

The Catholic community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg mourns this tragedy with all of the victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt prayers and express our deepest sorrows to the students, families, faculty, parishioners, and all who have been shaken by this violence.

May God’s consolation bring comfort in the midst of unspeakable sorrow. I invite all people of faith to unite in prayer for the victims, for their loved ones, and for the healing of the Annunciation community.

Let us entrust all victims of violence to the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and who intercedes for all who are grieving. 

-Bishop Gregory Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg