In order to start the process of healing from their horrific experiences, students from Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the scene of the tragic shooting on May 24, joined their families this month at a summer camp.
The non-profit Catholic Extension’s most recent effort to assist the Uvalde community in the wake of the shooting is called “Camp I-CAN,” which stands for “Inner strength, Commitment, Awareness, and Networking.”
“As a Church, we must remember what occurred in Uvalde. According to Joe Boland, vice president of mission at Catholic Extension, “this entire community has witnessed horrible murder and an incomprehensible loss of young life and innocence.”
“These suffering children and families in Uvalde are truly being helped by the Catholic Church,”
According to a recent news release, Camp I-CAN gave third, fourth, and fifth graders in Uvalde, Texas, “a safe space to heal, have fun, and gently reintegrated the children into a school-like atmosphere with their peers.
“Camp I-CAN ran from July 15 to 28. For children to adjust to challenging situations, it includes faith-based activities, music, arts and crafts, physical activities, and other forms of amusement.
A fundraising organisation called Catholic Extension, according to their website, “helps ensure that all American Catholics can practise their religion within dynamic faith communities.”
Their declared goal is to “provide poor and isolated Catholic communities with the infrastructure, partnerships, and financial support they need.”
“It is our objective, that through the spiritual accompaniment of religious sisters, the children and their families of Uvalde, Texas, sense God’s presence, and are reminded that they are not forgotten or alone in the next year and beyond,” stated Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension.
Uvalde-born Sister Dolores Aviles is the Teresian head of Camp I-CAN.
When she heard God say, “Let the children come to Me,” she felt compelled to lend a hand.
This week, we wanted the kids and their families to know that we are thinking of them in our prayers, that we care about them, and that we will do something to help them.
Community is that, according to Aviles.
Catholic Extension has a rich history in Uvalde and strong ties to the shooting victims and survivors.
According to a press release from Catholic Extension, “Uvalde was one of the first towns Catholic Extension helped, aiding in the construction of Sacred Heart Church in 1906.”
According to CNA, 11 of the victims’ funerals were held at Sacred Heart Church after the massacre.
Catholic Extension stated that Camp I-CAN is the “first of many” activities they hope to support in the future.
Visit give.catholicextension.org for additional details on how to help the kids in Uvalde through Catholic Extension’s programmes.