Bishop Stephen J. Berg, Diocese of Pueblo
Special to the Chieftain (Sun., Sept. 28, 2025)
The senseless violence, school shootings, acts of terror, and the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk while speaking to university students leave us with feelings of sadness, anger, and futility as to what is happening to our society. The killing of the young, our best and our brightest, in places of supposed safety, health and learning is leaving its dark imprint on those who survive. We pray for those who have been killed, for their families and communities. We pray for those who serve and protect in law enforcement. We pray for those survivors now left confused and afraid. We are all God’s children, and we share our sorrow with heavy hearts.
We also share a responsibility to be shepherds of the flock. Each in his or her own unique, personal way is given a charge over the protection of someone, some child, some vulnerable adult, whether that particular one is innocent or wayward. It is not enough to wring hands, express strong opinions, and wait for administrative remedies. We need to look out for one another. This begins with an individual awareness of the possibilities of signs warning that something is not right, and preparedness to reach out for help. And without prayer first, none of this will work. But we can do it, we can be shepherds with the help of God.
If you see something, say something. Safe2Tell.org is a 24/7 anonymous organization for you, your children, for anyone to contact “as soon as possible when you learn something that may cause harm to others or yourself. When you see something, say something. By reaching out to Safe2Tell.org you can help someone who is struggling. If your desire is to protect, repent, or help, send in your report. If you’re unsure whether you should send in a report or not, and you are making a report to protect, prevent, or help, send it in.” (From the Safe2Tell.org website. Other available resources include coloradocrisisservices.org and bha.colorado.gov/988.)
Trust your police officers, sheriff’s deputies, teachers, pastors, and medical professionals; they are trained and positioned to prevent tragedy. Build this trust into your personal and professional relationships with them and appreciate what they can do. When you see something, say something.
Each one of us is to be on alert, a watchful shepherd of God’s flock. Through all these recent terrible events, Jesus stands by us. He didn’t want this to start and doesn’t want it to continue. Nor can we take our next steps to bring safety and confidence into his fold without him. We pray that the Holy Spirit consecrates our efforts for peace, remembering that Jesus works in little ways to bring peace where it is most needed, that he is closest to us when he seems farthest away. May God bless us and keep those entrusted to us, all of us his children, safe. May we be the shepherds, which Jesus has called us to be, in care of all his beloved.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
