Dear Friends,
As we process the events of yesterday, mourning the loss of innocent lives and praying for healing for all those affected, we are called to step into action. “When you pray, move your feet,” said Annunciation Principal Matt DeBoer. “Please pray, but don’t stop with your words. Let’s make a difference and support this community, these children, these families, these teachers.”
What can we do? Most of us will not be the ones to help heal the injured or counsel the affected. But we can support the community through generosity. Already we’ve seen examples of neighbors showing love to the Annunciation community through simple gifts — cases of water, food, and hugs. Yet the effects of this tragedy will be ongoing, and we can’t even know yet what the needs will be.
And so, the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF) has established the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund.
The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund is a charitable fund at CCF that will provide financial support to the Church of the Annunciation for the needs of the church and school, as well as support to those affected by the tragedy.
CCF’s aim with this fund is to alleviate the administrative burden that accompanies an outpouring of generosity. By creating the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund, CCF takes on the work of processing and acknowledging gifts — freeing parish staff to focus on ministry and healing care.
CCF will receive, process, and steward gifts to the fund without an administrative fee. Then, we’ll disburse larger grants to the Church of the Annunciation to use for the purpose of supporting its community. Grants may also be distributed to support broader needs in the Catholic community that arise in connection with or as a result of this tragedy, as determined by the CCF Board of Directors in collaboration with Annunciation Church and School leadership.
Your gift can make a real difference for the Annunciation community in this time of pain and sorrow. Click here to give. If you have a donor advised fund at CCF and would like to direct a grant, you can click here to sign in to DonorSphere.
Thank you for being a source of light and comfort through your prayers and generosity.