Mid-Michigan churches ring bells in honor of Connecticut shootin - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(12/21/12) - Across Michigan, people paused Friday morning to honor the victims of the Connecticut shooting.

The moment of silence and the bell ringing came at the request of Connecticut governor Dan Malloy.

Michigan governor Rick Snyder issued a proclamation Thursday. He says last week's unthinkable tragedy in Newtown has left a mark of sadness in the heart of every American.

In Grand Blanc, Holy Family Catholic Church rang its bells 26 times at 9:30 Friday morning for the victims.

"It's sympathy on the part of many, for the children and especially the families and friends who have been killed out there in Connecticut. So there's been a wide range of emotions and reactions. Many have come together in prayer," said Fr. Jonathon Perrotta of Holy Family Church.

While the tolling of the bells was haunting, parishioners at Holy Family say they also signal hope for the nation and the community.

"When the bells ring, it is a calling, a calling to community in that we all need each other and it makes the world easier when we are together," said Lisa Tipton, Holy Family parishioner.

"It hits very close to home for a lot of our parishioners because of course they're parents, grandparents, and they have their own children and they just can't imagine losing their six year old son or daughter that way," Perrotta said.

St. Paul Episcopal in Flint also rang its bells 26 times. Many Mid-Michigan radio stations observed a moment of silence or sounded bells on the air.

"Even though we may not be all together in the same part of the country or world, we can at the same moment stop for and think about those who lost their lives," Tipton said.

"It can be a turning point, there's no doubt. It's one of the aspects of our faith, what God reveals in Jesus. Not all hope is lost, even in this life for all of us. That's part of our prayer, absolutely, that something like this, as awful as it is, would then be a catalyst for true change," Perrotta said.