Dear Parish Family, WHEN – will these horrific tragedies stop? The recent shooting of innocent children attending elementary school in Texas is another example of the pervasive sickness of many people in our country today. The subject of gun control has been and will be debated in our country for many years. No matter what your position is – it is hard to imagine anyone believes that members of our society can be shot at random in any number of places or venues that “should” be safe. Where is a “safe” place for people? We hear of drive by shootings into cars, homes, places of worship and business. Remember Columbine and the teenagers who were disgruntled? Then the little children of Sandy Hook, and Oxford High School in our own back yard - the carnage goes on and on. Why is there not more surveillance and action taken by authorities of the internet? Isn’t it amazing that within a few hours, the media has reams of information about the perpetrator? Most of these evil people have exhibited unhealthy traits. Why are they not on the radar? To be hired for a position, most people have to undergo a background check. Why not have this? To cash a check, we need ID. Why wouldn’t we do everything to protect life? What on earth do we need assault rifles and the modified weapons for? From our youngest to the oldest citizens, no one is immune to this disrespect of life. WHEN - will our legislators come together and help to STOP people from harming others? These horrific events envelope families and friends throughout their lives. It does not stop with the incident. Think of the sweeping range of people affected. Some have asked “why does God allow this?” Isn’t this an age old question for many different situations? Let’s all pray for the safety of our people, that we come together as God’s Holy Family and create a safe and peaceful world Mary Jo