“The whole of the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, Australia and the world have been affected by this terrible tragedy that’s rocked us all,” Father Joe Taylor said.
“The community wants to show support to police personnel who work day and night to keep us safe.”
The tragedy unfolded when 10 police officers attended a property on the outskirts of the Victorian alpine region town, 163km from Shepparton, to serve a routine search warrant.
A man, believed to be 56-year-old Desmond Filby, otherwise known as Dezi Freeman, opened fire on them, killing 59-year-old Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
A third officer was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being shot in the lower body, where he underwent surgery.
No other officers were physically injured.
Mentally, however, many are suffering.
Fr Taylor said everyone was invited to attend the service on September 6, regardless of denomination.
He encouraged all members of the local and policing communities to join in the special service.
“We want to support police in their grief, through prayer and support; chat with them and be with them,” Fr Taylor said.
The service will begin at 6pm on Thursday, September 4, at St Brendan’s Church in Knight St, Shepparton.
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