Prayers for the Harber family’s tragic loss

Prayers for the Harber family’s tragic loss

From: St. Rita Catholic Community <mail@flocknote.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2025 12:18 PM
To: St. Rita Catholic Community
Subject: From Fr. Joshua Whitfield: Community Prayer for the Harber family

Dear St. Rita Community,

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share heartbreaking news affecting one of our own St. Rita families. Two St. Rita students, Blair Harber (rising 8th grade) and Brooke Harber (rising 6th grade), tragically passed away while staying along the Guadalupe River. Overnight storms caused flash flooding that swept away their cabin. At this time their grandparents, with whom they were staying, are still unaccounted for.

Their parents, RJ and Annie Harber, were staying at a different cabin and are safe. Annie is a devoted and beloved teacher at St. Rita, and the Harber family has long been a cherished part of our school community.

In moments like this, we are reminded of life’s fragility and the lasting power of faith. Even if we may never fully understand why such tragedies happen, we are called to respond with love, compassion, and prayer. We will honor Blair and Brooke’s lives, the light they shared, and the joy they brought to everyone who knew them. And we will surround Annie, RJ, and their extended family with the strength and support of our St. Rita community.

As we remember Blair and Brooke, we pray the words of the Song of Farewell: “May the choirs of angels come to greet you, may they speed you to paradise.”We will share more details in the coming days about how we can support the Harber family and honor the lives of Blair and Brooke Harber.

We invite you to join us this afternoon (Saturday, July 5th) at 4:00 p.m. in the church, where Fr. Mark will lead a prayer service for the repose of their souls and the healing of all those impacted by this tragedy.After the service, students and families are welcome to gather in the Commons. Counselors and school administration will be present to offer support and be available for anyone who needs a space to reflect, grieve, or be simply be together in community.

Please keep the Harber family in your prayers during this time of profound grief. May our faith, our love, and our St. Rita community be a source of strength and comfort in the days ahead.

In Christ,
Fr. Joshua J. Whitfield
Pastor

Note: RJ Harber is a Brother Knight member of St. Ignatius Loyola Council 11169 at St. Rita Catholic Community.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help our brother Knight deal with this tragic loss.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/rjrcd-support-the-harber-family-after-tragic-loss