Buckhead faith leaders, like those all over the country, made Newtown, CT the focal point of their sermons this weekend. They offered prayers for the victims’ families and everyone left to deal with the heartbreak.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta prayed for healing following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Friday that left 20 children and six adults dead.
"As we embrace in prayer those whose sorry is deep this day, we ask that the father who also chose to give his son born as a poor infant in Bethlehem, will also give those people comfort, solace and faith at this time of incredible sorry," said Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, according to a report from WSB Radio.
Following the service, which was attended by many with children the same ages as those massacred in Newtown, the congregants lit candles and said prayers for the families and in remembrance of the victims.
On Saturday, the Georgia Boys Choir sang a tribute– "Dona Nobis Pacem," which means "Lord, Grant Us Peace”– to the victims during its Christmas concert.
The tribute moved the audience since many of those in the choir are the same ages of the victims whose lives were taken in the elementary school tragedy.
The 300 people who turned out for a special deacon ordination on Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Buckhead held a moment of silence for healing.
Episcopal Bishop Rob Wright told the gathering that the school shooting should spur political action for gun violence reduction, the AJC reported.
“How many children have to die before those of us who lead take action around limiting automatic weapons?” he said before the service.
Wright shared a guide from the National Association of School Psychologists to equip parents when they discuss the tragedy with their children.
At the Cathedral of Christ the King, members are encouraged to share their thoughts on the church’s Facebook page.
On Friday, the church posted this “short sermon to live by” on its Facebook page:
Sometimes the only way the Good Lord can get into our hearts is to break them. –Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Hearts are broken, but the resounding call from pulpits and from even the President of the United States Barack Obama is that Americans are in this together. The rest of the country grieves with Newtown and will help the small town heal.
"I can only hope that it helps for you to know," Obama said at a Sunday evening interfaith vigil in Newtown, "that you are not alone in your grief."
The President said he would "whatever power" he has to prevent another massacre like this from occurring.
How have you grieved? Did you do anything special with your children this weekend? How have you discussed the tragedy with them? Tell us in the comments below.
Connecticut is mourning for the whole world to hear. Why this happen is not quite clear! December 14th, seemed a glorious day, till heroes and angels were suddenly taken away. Heroic people who never lost sight, gave up their lives to do what was right. While correcting papers and writing down scores, they found themselves in the middle of war. A sudden change of time and space, a gunman ended up in the wrong place. A place where children come to learn and play, NOT a place where lives should be taken away. The microphone was turned to give warning to all, and soon thereafter another angel did fall. I'm sure they're looking down from heaven above, knowing they'd sacrificed all for the ones that they loved. THEN Heroes stood up! With boots on the ground, to let a madman know they weren't backing down. They weren't prepared for war we know, but love and bravery to the world they'd show. All though these words can't bring closure, they went to work as teachers and came out as soldiers. So it doesn't matter what battle you fight, as long as you know the battle is right. Give them the respect that they deserve, when everyday people STOOD to protected and serve. So hug your children and squeeze them tight, whisper in their ears each and every night. We all have guardian angels in the heavens above watching over us with everlasting love... By Carolyn Falkner