Dear God - a prayer put to music

“Dear God” is a prayer put to music, a letter to heaven born out of grief, confusion, and searching for answers after the tragic Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic Church school shooting (August 27, 2025).

This song is not just about sorrow, it’s about asking the hard questions: How did we miss the signs? Could we have reached out sooner? It is a reflection, a cry for healing, and a hope that love can guide us to protect and cherish every child.

Written with trembling hands and tears, “Dear God” is dedicated to the children, families, teachers, parishioners, and community who carry the weight of this loss.

🙏 In loving memory of Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10), and in honor of all the survivors.
May this song be a space of remembrance, healing, and a call to listen, love, and never turn away from those who need help.
On August 27, 2025, during the first week of the school year, a devastating shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church, connected to its parochial school in south Minneapolis. This took place during a morning Mass attended by children, faculty, and parishioners.
A lone gunman, dressed in black, positioned themself outside the church and opened fire through the stained-glass windows, using multiple firearms—including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Authorities recovered approximately 116 rifle casings, along with shotgun and pistol ammunition.
The shooter also barricaded some exit doors to hinder escape.
The gunfire lasted around two minutes, ending when the attacker died by suicide in the rear parking lot.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed: Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski.
17 others were injured, including 14 children and three elderly parishioners; many of the injured were expected to survive.