Dear Parish Family, The devastating shooting that happened eight weeks ago in Oxford, created lasting memories of lives lost, and the incredible emotional havoc on all of us here in Michigan and beyond. It changed the totality of life in a brief instant and stole the stability and happiness of many. Not only were students, faculty and parents effected, but first responders, and those in the medical field, but entire communities. There is a particular story which began by two men waiting in the checkout line at the Meijer store in Oxford. Many of us have had the experience of chatting with those around us as we waited to check out, but probably not of this significance. Paul Marshall turns to the man behind him and comments “I see you have ice cream- boy that’s gonna be melted by the time you get home.” “Yes, the ice breaker is melting the ice cream.” Many conversations in Oxford now turn to the shooting; Paul’s son was hiding behind a locked door in the high school and John Fowler’s wife was and RN and he is an emergency room nurse at McLaren Oakland. John has seven children. John was part of the trauma team who took care of four of the shooting victims. Marshall says, “I am sorry you had to go through that.” John’s wife Elizabeth was on a ventilator at the time of the shooting and died nine days later. The Fowlers belong to Lake Point Community Church and their faith community embraced them and their situation. We see the goodness of people particularly in times of tragedy. People have helped with laundry, taking care of the children, meals, and organizing a schedule for this busy family. Marshall wanted to help as well. He emailed a group of coaches and asked for their support for John. The guys jumped in and are helping where they can. Isn’t that what we do when we know of a brother or sister in need? Amazing how God brings us together in different ways with a specific purpose. Proverbs 16:4 “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” St. Paul reminded us last Sunday in the first letter to Corinthians, “For in one Spirit, we are baptized into one body.” May our loving God bless you all. Mary Jo