Rebecca Omastiak

As U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan announced on Feb. 12 plans for federal agents to leave the Twin Cities metro area, Catholic leaders in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis acknowledged the need for hope as they look to next steps in the local community.

"Ever since the deadly shooting of Renee Good on Portland Avenue last Wednesday, I find myself googling 'Minneapolis' every few hours to learn of the latest developments in a situation that truly tears at the heart," wrote Hebda in his Weekly Word newsletter.

"Following this morning's deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community," Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said in a statement following the incident.

Roughly 130 people registered for an Oct. 5 event called "Toward Healing Minds and Hearts: Reflecting for Right Relationship and Conciliation." The gathering was held at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, and hosted by the Catholic Racial Justice Coalition and Gichitwaa Katera.