JUNE IS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH. Every day, more than 300 people are directly impacted by gun violence in the United States. Gun Violence Awareness Month was created to draw attention to this tragic reality and demand life-saving change. The St. Louis Archdiocese honors this month with a weekly series of bulletin articles.

From the St. Louis Archdiocesan Task Force On Gun Violence Prevention:

Guns are the leading cause of death for American children. In a typical year, 2500 children die by gun homicide, 1300 by firearm suicide, and 150 by unintentional shootings.  In addition, 15,000 children are shot and wounded. 

This weekend, the second reading tells of “…the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”  One way we can manifest this love is by protecting our children from gun violence by locking our firearms and storing ammunition separately to reduce unintentional shootings involving children and child suicides by firearms. 

In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Archdiocese of St. Louis Gun Violence Prevention Task Force has made free gun locks available at all parishes.  Check with the parish office if you would like a lock or email GVPTF@archstl.org.