UPDATED: Evergreen High School Shooting: Catholic Community Mobilizes to Provide Comfort and Support

(Photo credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)

Tragedy struck Evergreen High School on Wednesday when gunfire erupted on campus, leaving three students injured — one of them identified by authorities as the shooter, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. All were transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, a Catholic facility within the CommonSpirit Health system. Of the surviving victims, one student remains in critical condition.

In the aftermath, the Catholic community in Evergreen and the Archdiocese of Denver have rallied to offer spiritual care and comfort. Christ the King Parish in Evergreen is prepared to minister to students, families and staff with prayer and presence as the school community processes the traumatic events. 

An Archdiocesan team of deacons, trained to serve in disasters and critical incidents, has also been placed on alert. These deacons, who have partnered with the American Red Cross in past crises, stand ready to offer pastoral outreach and guidance should they be needed at the hospital or school. 

Additionally, clinicians from St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, were mobilized to provide mental health support to those affected in Evergreen. Two counselors who are parishioners at Christ the King Parish in Evergreen and one other counselor worked with Father Jim Fox, the parish's pastor, to make the parish available for students and families to receive crisis response assistance. Multiple counselors will continue to be available at the parish to provide mental health support on Thursday, and St. Raphael Counseling is committed to working with Christ the King Parish to determine how best to minister to the mental health needs of the community in the days and weeks ahead.

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila expressed deep sorrow for all those affected on Wednesday afternoon: 

“My heart is with the students, parents, and teachers at Evergreen High School. Today, we grieve for those critically shot and those left frightened and shaken. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement on the scene, whose courage brought calm amid chaos, and for the doctors and medical teams working tirelessly to care for the injured. The victims have been taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital, a Catholic hospital, where they are receiving compassionate care. 

To our young people, know that Jesus is near you, hears your cries, and his Mother Mary holds you close. To hurting families, the Church is with you, and we lift you and your children up in prayer. 

May Christ bring comfort to your hearts and may Mary at the Foot of the Cross wrap you in her tender care.” 

Editor's Note: This is a developing story; we will update it as more details become available.