One response to the Colorado murders is being held May 6 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham: a memorial service in remembrance of the youth of Littleton. The event is for young people who attend Shaker High School.
The memorial, planned by churches in North Colonie, is a combined effort with the North Colonie School District. Several community organizations are participating. Rev. Francis Gunn, OFM, a counselor and chaplain at Siena College in Loudonville, will speak, as will William Serritella, a Shaker High School administrator, and John Riccitelli, an investigator with the Colonie Police Department.
"It's important that we support our youth and are here for them," said Sister Maria DeMonte, OP, pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Assumption. "We are Church, school and community."
This outreach, which is for all teens in the community, not just Catholics, was scheduled to coincide with a parent workshop being held at Shaker.
Sister Maria thinks Our Lady of the Assumption is providing opportunities for young people to develop the relationships that are critically needed in their lives. "We have a youth ministry program here, and youth are on the parish board and take on leadership," she said. "And they do voice their concerns. They have a built-in support system." (MM)