Newsstand: Notre Dame releases statement on Catholic school shooting in Minnesota

This is a site dedicated to Notre Dame football, and the Fighting Irish are just three days away from their 2025 season opener at Miami, but some things go way beyond what happens in sport. Notre Dame, of all schools, absolutely realizes that.

The university released a statement on the shooting that occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed when a gunman opened fire through the windows of the church at around 8:30 a.m. ET Wednesday. According to the New York Times, 17 other people were injured.

“The Notre Dame community is heartbroken by the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” the university’s official X account posted on Wednesday. “We grieve with the families who lost loved ones, pray for the injured, and stand in solidarity with the Annunciation school family. We also extend our prayers and support to our

“@ACEatND educators serving in the Archdiocese as they accompany their students and colleagues through this time of sorrow.”

The post was accompanied by a lit candle at the Grotto on campus.

Notre Dame posts of the day

School is officially in session in South Bend.

We begin every academic year in prayer.

Sunday night, our newest students made their first visit to the Grotto, and last night, Fr. Bob presided over the opening Mass.

Please join our community in praying for our students, faculty, and staff during this school year 💙 pic.twitter.com/jtnuktP4yT

— University of Notre Dame (@NotreDame) August 27, 2025

The Fighting Irish quarterback connection runs deep. ND’s 2024 starter shared some advice for CJ Carr, the redshirt freshman who will lead the Irish out at Hard Rock Stadium as QB1 in three days.

One of CJ Carr’s first calls after he was named Notre Dame’s starting quarterback was to Riley Leonard.

His predecessor’s message?

“Just be myself. Go out there and let it loose. You’ve practiced and prepared for the last two years for this moment coming up.”

Ready for Miami. pic.twitter.com/oYiOVxc8Wg

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) August 27, 2025

It was a tough training camp and preseason for former Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime in Denver, but he’s landing on his feet as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Not so bad to join the defending Super Bowl champs, is it?

Per @Schultz_Report, the Philadelphia Eagles are signing former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime to their practice squad.

Baby Bus is joining the defending Super Bowl champs. pic.twitter.com/eCvjPaXoqD

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) August 27, 2025

Fighting Irish quote of the day

“I’m really excited about his eagerness to kind of dive in the deep end. He wants a lot of responsibility. He wants it on his shoulders. And that’s obviously what you want from someone who’s as competitive as he is and plays the quarterback position.”

— Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock on QB1, redshirt freshman CJ Carr

Blue & Gold headlines of the day

• Notre Dame commits Joey O’Brien and Grayson McKeogh returning to campus together in October
• On Paper: Who has the edge in every facet of Notre Dame vs. Miami?
• Three things to know about 2025 Miami Hurricanes

• Hey Horka! Choosing three under-the-radar Notre Dame football players before the season starts
• Lucky Charms: Notre Dame DL target adds to major recruiting weekend for USC game
• Behind enemy lines: Intel from Miami writer on Hurricanes vs. Notre Dame