Resources on Violence
The tragedy of frequent mass shootings is placing a spotlight on violence in general and school shootings in particular. NFCYM offers these resources as a means to assist in the conversations, reflections, and prayers for the victims of violence in our society.
Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent tragedies. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayers for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the days ahead. Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, and in comfort to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of all the community. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Resources on Violence
*Resource is from an NFCYM member organization
- USCCB Backgrounder on Gun Violence: A Mercy and Peacebuilding Approach*
- Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework For Action (A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Catholic Bishops—1994)* (entire text available online)
- Processing the Tragedy of School Shootings*, Fuller Youth Institute
- A Parent’s Guide to Violence, courtesy of Axis Ministries
- Resources for Ministering During Times of Tragedy*. St. Mary’s Press
- Seven Lessons in Healthy Sorrow, Greg Garrett
- CDC Resources on Youth Violence (Spanish available)
- 5 Ways to Process Tragedy with Teenagers*, Fuller Youth Institute
- Processing the Tragedy of School Shootings*, Kara Powell
PRAYER
- Through Suffering: Bible Study and Prayer Service, EQ Saints*
- Catholic Charities USA: Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
- Saint Mary’s Press: A Prayer for Victims of Violence*
- Saint Mary’s Press: In Time of Crisis*
- Saint Mary’s Press: In Memory and Hope: A Prayer Service*
- Saint Mary’s Press: When Hope is Needed*
- A Christmas Prayer, Max Lucado (written after the Newtown school shooting)
SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES FROM SAINT MARY’S PRESS*:
OTHER RESOURCES
- “A Christian Response to Violence: Love Your Enemies,”* St. Mary’s Press
- St. Mary’s Press resources on dealing with tragedy*
- “When Tragedy Challenges Faith,”* St. Mary’s Press
- “Responding to the Death of a Teen,”* LifeTeen
- Resource Guide on Violence Prevention, Catholic Health Initiatives
- “Helping Children Cope with Terrorism, 2015,” National Association of School Psychologists (Link initiates PDF download)
- Video on the Mystery of Suffering, Apostleship of Prayer
ORGANIZATIONS
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- PreventViolence.org
- Students Against Violence Everywhere
- Center for Prevention of Youth Violence, Johns Hopkins University
- Violence Prevention from youth.gov (in partnership with the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention)
- National Center for PTSD