Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE and Bishop Gayle E. Harris, on behalf of the Diocese of Massachusetts, offer their prayers for all affected by the Dec. 14 shootings in a Newtown, Conn., elementary school: "May our gracious God bring comfort to all who sorrow and give strength to all who suffer in the aftermath of this unspeakable and senseless tragedy.
"We are grateful for the ways that so many of our churches have offered themselves as places of prayer and have made resources available to families for talking with their children in the wake of this tragedy. May not only our prayers but also our hands and voices continue to reach out to those who are linked to us in the love of God in the midst of great sadness."
Bishop Harris as of late Friday afternoon was in the process of contacting the bishops of the Diocese of Connecticut, Ian Douglas, Laura Ahrens and Jim Curry, to offer support and learn of ways that help may be needed.