Let's Unite in Prayers for Peace

Sent Tuesday, Oct. 10

Rockhurst Companions,

On Saturday, people around the world woke to the news that coordinated terrorist strikes against Israel had claimed innocent lives and that fighting was underway. As this frightening situation continues to unfold and we see images of devastation, we have learned that hundreds of people have been killed, American citizens among them, and others taken hostage.

As people of faith, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones or who are waiting desperately for them to be returned safely to their homes from where they are held captive. We stand in solidarity with those whose lives are now filled with grief, despair and uncertainty and we condemn these attacks on innocent people. Pope Francis has invited all of us to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine. One of the strengths of Rockhurst University is our rich interfaith community, united by our common vision to create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformational education. The Office of Mission and Ministry will provide several opportunities for us to come together for prayer and reflection. A message with more details will follow.

If you find yourself in need of support as a result of this unexpected violence, please know that we have resources on campus for you, whether you are a student, faculty or staff member. These include:

For Students · The Counseling Center · Mission and Ministry · Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

For Faculty and Staff · Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion · Mission and Ministry RU Employee Assistance Program (available only to faculty and staff, login required to access program information)

Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.

President

Sent Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 10

Dear Members of the Rockhurst Community,

As Dr. Cassady reminded us earlier today, our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragic events occurring in Israel. In this moment of grief and sorrow, our prayers go immediately to

the families and loved ones of those killed, injured, and taken hostage. We also remember in a special way any member of our Rockhurst community who may have ties with people in Israel. This is a moment that calls us all to contribute to understanding, support, and building pathways to peace. We have a responsibility to one another - to provide consolation and support to those who are suffering. In his Monday morning prayer, Pope Francis shared: “Let it be understood that war does not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and the suffering of so many innocent people.”

The impact of the tragic events in Israel as well as those in the Ukraine, Syria, and other worn torn countries continue to shake our entire world. We will have several opportunities this week to gather as a community of many faiths to support one another and to pray for peace.

Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace

Wednesday, October 11, 12:30 p.m.

Goppert Plaza outside Sedgwick Hall

Catholic Mass for Peace

Thursday, October 12, 12:30 p.m.

Mabee Chapel

Jewish Shabbat Service for Peace

Friday, October 13 – 6 p.m.

New Reform Temple

7100 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

During these days, let us find inspiration from prayers for peace from several faith traditions:

Grant us the life of true peace and usher us into the abode of peace – Muslim Prayer for Peace

They who make peace in their high places, may they bring peace upon us, and upon all the land of Israel – Jewish Prayer for Peace

Grant us peace, teach us peace, guide our steps in the way of peace – Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace

Sent Wednesday morning, Oct. 11

Rockhurst University Companions:

The Office of Mission and Ministry will hold an interfaith prayer service for peace today at 12:30 p.m. in front of Sedgwick Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will share prayers for peace from several faith traditions as we come together as a community.

In addition, all are invited to attend a Mass for peace tomorrow on campus, and to a Jewish Shabbat service for peace Friday at the New Reform Temple. The rabbi has shared that the focus of the service will be on peace and supporting one another and that are all welcome.

A complete schedule of opportunities follows:

Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace

Wednesday, October 11, 12:30 p.m.

Goppert Plaza outside Sedgwick Hall

Catholic Mass for Peace

Thursday, October 12, 12:30 p.m.

Mabee Chapel

Jewish Shabbat Service for Peace

Friday, October 13 – 6 p.m.

New Reform Temple

7100 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

We have received several heartfelt responses to our earlier messages and we recognize that in our community comprised of people of many faiths and from many areas of the world, that many are worried and suffering. Because we bring so many perspectives to the conversation, let us focus on supporting one another, listening to each other and accompanying each other.

We would like to remind all companions that the Rockhurst University community has a number of resources and that no one should feel isolated or alone. These resources include:

For Students · The Counseling Center · Mission and Ministry · Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

For Faculty and Staff · Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion · Mission and Ministry RU Employee Assistance Program (available only to faculty and staff, login required to access program information)

Rev. Stephen Hess, S.J.

Vice President for Mission and Ministry