The Annunciation Catholic Church community in southwest Minneapolis gathered on Saturday evening for the first Mass since 20 people were shot on Wednesday morning. Two of the victims, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, died from their injuries.

Support from the community has been pouring in since the deadly attack, which injured 15 other children and three parishioners in their 80s.

This weekend's masses are being held in the auditorium of Annunciation Catholic School next door. Mass will also be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul's Facebook page.

Before Saturday's service, Father Dennis Zehren spoke about the attack, with Archbishop Bernard Hebda at his side.

"It's a difficult memory and it just, it was loud, it just kept coming and my first instinct was to rush toward where the bullets were coming from," Zehren said.

The pastor recounted his effort to protect students in the sanctuary. 

"I mean, if I could have got between those bullets, and those kids, that's what I was hoping to do," he said.

On Saturday night, Zehren gathered his parish to share a message of hope. 

"We watch for that light that will scatter every darkness, we watch for that light that will never fade, that will only grow stronger," he said. "We watch for that light of the world. That light of the world is Jesus Christ."

Bonnie and Joe Munn stepped out after mass and told WCCO they were touched by his message.  

"He doesn't read from the literature, he reads from his heart," said Joe Munn.

The two are glad to know this community can look to him as many seek comfort. 

"They're going to heal well with him being the pastor here," said Bonnie Munn.

The church remains closed as it's still considered a crime scene. It's unclear when it will reopen, as Annunciation is working to make sure the needs of the affected families are being met.

To help those affected by the shooting, click here.

Memorial continues to grow outside Annunciation

For days, mourners have gathered in grief, bringing flowers and candles to the growing tribute outside the church and school.

"We are here as believers, Catholics, to support this Christian community," said Helen Morrell.

"You can't describe it," said Ryan Dolan. "It's our community, it's our friends, it's our family. When you see the windows gone and the memorials for little kids, you just don't have words to describe it."

The pain is personal for so many, including Ava Frank, who used to babysit Moyski. 

"We've known them since they moved in. It kind of doesn't feel like plausible. She's like the most outgoing kid you'll ever meet. Full of color. She's great," Frank said. "She's been to our cabin. They're not neighbors, they're like family friends. I go to school in Tennessee and no one knows about it. I flew back this morning so I can be here."

Being with the community is what many say they have to do, whether they know these families or not.

"When my mom's dad died in 2020, Harper and her mom painted a bunch of rocks with his initials on it for us to scatter around," Frank said. "So we have those, too. They're the most outgoing people, so I'm happy to be back for her."

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese also announced Saturday that a rosary for Annunciation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5.