Dozens Gather at Vigil for School Shooting

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-- Dozens bowed their heads in prayer at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral as they remember the 26 victims who died in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

"What happened in Connecticut, what happened here in 1995, that is not part of God's will," said Dean Justin Lindstrom, who led the service Monday night.

Many members of the congregation filed in early for the 6:30 service, including Victoria Rogez, who works in the church's childcare center. 

"I just love children" said Rogez, on the verge of tears, "and I never want to see anything happen to children like that, never."

Rogez says it was important for her to pay her respects to the victims and their families affected by the tragedy.  Dean Lindstrom says as a city that has seen light through dark times, like the Murrah Bombing in 1995, it's important for Oklahoma City to step up and help the Newtown community heal.

"This city can be a pillar of hope for other cities and other places," said Dean Lindstrom, "because we've endured some pretty significant darkness and look where we are now."

Although it will take some time for the Newtown community to heal, Rogez wants the families affected to know that she's here to help.

"It's going to be okay," she said, "we're all in this together, we are one big family."

To help the Newtown community, you can donate to a fund is set up with the United Way of Western Connecticut: http://newtown.uwwesternct.org.   The US Postal Service has also set up a place for people to send cards and messages for the Newtown community: Message of Condolence, PO Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.       
Dozens Gather at Vigil for School Shooting

Posted: Monday, December 17 2012, 09:22 PM CST