Our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers go out to the victims of the horrific shooting that occurred last evening at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks (Ventura County) California. At least 13 people were killed, including a sheriff’s deputy and the suspect, at the crowded country and western dance hall, a popular location for college students. The bar is approximately 20 miles north of our fellow West Coast Conference member Pepperdine University, and news reports indicate both Pepperdine and California Lutheran University students were in the bar at the time of the shooting. California Lutheran University is approximately four miles from the bar. Let us join our prayers for the victims and their families with those of the Pepperdine and Cal Lutheran communities.
Vigil Service Today:
A vigil service will take place in the University Chapel (3rd floor, College Hall) at 4:30 p.m. today, Thursday, November 8. All are welcome. For students and colleagues seeking community and pastoral care, the following resources are available for support:
- Office of Mission and Ministry: (509) 313-4242, umin@gonzaga.edu
- Center for Cura Personalis: (509) 313-2227, ccp@gonzaga.edu
- Health & Counseling Services: (509) 313-4052, studenthealth@gonzaga.edu
Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President, Gonzaga University
Nov. 8, 2018
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Online Resources:
An online wellness toolbox is available with various resources, including a section on grief: https://www.gonzaga.edu/student-life/health-well-being/health-counseling-services/resources/well-being-resources/wellness-toolbox
Regional Behavioral Health Crisis Line:
Call the 24/7 Regional Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-877-266-1818 (toll free number) for assistance. This 24-hour resource is available to provide a supportive listener, immediate help for individuals in crisis, and connection to community resources.
Together with Pope Francis and the leaders of our nation and our world, we stand with the victims and their loved ones, and join in solidarity with millions who are committed to being instruments of God’s peace in the world, sowing love in the face of hatred; forgiveness where there is injury; and bringing hope to those who despair of it. Let us keep all those victims and their family and friends, in our thoughts and prayers.
“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition,
and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta