We Hold Each Other

In my first year as the Chaplain at Casey Grammar School, I had a bright, smiling Prep girl come up to me and chat. Over the years, she continued to make an effort to come and find me to say hello, ask me about my growing baby when I was pregnant or ask about my little boy when I returned from Maternity Leave. She had a smile that beamed. Over the years, I’d say things like, ‘What! You are in Year 2 already?!’

‘Year 3! No!’

‘Year 4… Oh my goodness I remember when you were in Prep’.

That little Prep girl who grew into a Year 4 student was Annalise Roy. Her ready smile only became bigger as she grew.

Our community has been deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Annalise Roy. The deep tragedy personally is that she will not come and tell me that she is in Year 5 or Year 6 or starting High School, and that her family and friends will not watch her move through those milestones. We have all been impacted by this in different ways, but all of us feel for the Roy family in their pain.

In such times of grief, one of the ways that we can show our support, care and unity as a school community is to pray together for the family. As a school, our staff have joined together to pray and students from Prep to Year 12 have spent time reflecting on and praying for Julia, Robert and Brendon.

Some of you may wish to also join with us in praying for them. You can use your own words, or you may wish to use the prayer below.

Dear Lord,

We come together at this time feeling so many emotions – shock, numbness, grief, sadness, anger, pain and so much more. We bring these complex and deep emotions with us here. Help us here, in this present moment amidst our confusion and loss.

We are heartbroken and devastated at the loss of a child so young in our community, a child with such life ahead of her. We knew Annalise and we were watching her grow from her first day of Prep. Along with her family and friends, our community cared for and nurtured her.

Our hearts are united with Julia, Robert and Brendon as they grieve the loss of their much loved daughter and sister. As a school community our stories are interwoven, and their sadness is felt by us all as we consider what this means for them now and into the future. Our hearts ache as we think of the depth of their grief. Together we pray for them, for their extended family, their friends, for their neighbours and work colleagues. The heartache is felt rippling out in the lives of so many. Sometimes it feels that all we can do is pray.

Together we join to pray for your presence with Julia, Robert and Brendon. May the memory of Annalise’s beautiful smile strengthen them. Thank you for the supportive year level that Annalise was in, and for the parents rallying around the family and showing their practical and loving support.

In this time of sadness, let us be reminded of the strength of our community. Walk with us, guide us and hold us as we both grieve and support others in their grief.

Amen

Monique Riviere-Pendle

Chaplain