In the wake of the shooting of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT on December 14, 2012, Kitty Kawecki, diocesan Director of Resources & Training, suggests several resources for how to talk to children and youth about a tragedy.
Please see the downloadable PDF files attached above, as well as the links below.
A Collect
O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust the children of Newtown, and all others killed on this day of sorrow, to your never-failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
– Adapted by the Rt. Rev. James Mathes, Diocese of San Diego, from “The Burial of a Child," The Book of Common Prayer, p. 494.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Resources to help support children and families affected by violence or a disaster
NYU Child Study Center
Talking with children about difficult subjects
When Someone Close to Your Child Dies Suddenly: A Guide for Parents
Attending Funerals or Memorial Services
Children and Grief: What They Know, How They Feel, How to Help
Other Resources
Resources from LeaderResources.org
Resources from BuildingFaith.org