Bishop Ahr Remembers Columbine
Posted on 04/20/2018
On April 20, 1999, two students opened fire on Columbine High School in Colorado. Thirteen individuals were killed and dozens were injured by this atrocity. It has been 19 years since those tragic events and though we have continued to develop as a society, many things still remain the same. In memory of the 19th Anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, a group of BGA students and faculty prepared a prayer service during all lunch periods. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered to join in prayer for those victims and for the victims of all school violence. 

“Even though all of the students at BGA today did not experience Columbine, they have experienced what is happening today in our world and even more so in schools. They wanted to come together to pray for peace and an end to violence,” commented Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak, Campus Minister at Bishop Ahr High School. 

Each prayer service began with a moment of silent reflection, followed by the reading of this powerful and challenging poem: 

This world needs some peace, we know this to be true.
We need to work for love, is that something you will do?

Will you work for your beliefs? Will you fight and take a stand?
The world must act together, united hand in hand.

Violence has no place in a heart that’s filled with love
Remember that all lives are a gift from up above.

Cherish every moment as though it were your last
And work to change the world, regardless of the past.

Will you let yourself be changed? Will you open up your heart?
Acting out of love... is a wonderful place to start.

These petitions followed the reading and reflection:  

For all our leaders, that they may use their power and influence to make decisions and pass legislation that reflects the common good of all people… we pray to the Lord.

For all political figures, that they may use their positions to shape our world for good through civil discourse rather than hateful words… we pray to the Lord.

For all students in the world, that they may always remain safe from violence and may feel peace in their homes, in their communities, and at their schools… we pray to the Lord.

For our students, to always carry with them the teachings and lessons of Bishop George Ahr High School, to rise as leaders, and to rise as the future… we pray to the Lord.

For our parents, to have a peace of mind when sending their children off to school every day… we pray to the Lord.

For our teachers, faculty, and staff, to continue to always protect and inspire us… we pray to the Lord.

For all those who are hurting both emotionally and physically, that they may be blessed with God’s loving care and tender support… we pray to the Lord.

For the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts… we pray to the Lord.


The time of prayer ended with the following challenge: 
We thank you for coming today and for praying with us. We encourage you to continue to become involved in causes you believe in and to stand for peace in our nation. And in all that we do, may we always try to achieve peace and happiness for all. Amen!