By Elizabeth Matthews
Webster Groves, MO (KSDK) - A gathering was held Monday night at the Murch family's church, Mary Queen of Peace in Webster Groves. The church announced the ceremony about four hours after the news of the double murder-suicide broke.
It was standing room only at the church, where hundreds of friends, acquaintances and strangers packed the house. This is a very tight knit parish and many just wanted to show their support for the family.
There were a lot of young children with their parents and a lot of tears and hugs throughout the hour long service.
Many people who attended did not want to talk on camera, but what we did learn was that many felt that Catherine, or Cathy, was a good mom.
One family I spoke to, the Buschs, said they shared lots of play dates and saw each other on Saturday when the kids went to the pool together.
But 8-year-old Caroline Busch says that last night she and her sister were supposed to spend the night at the Murch's. They tried calling, but couldn't get through.
This morning on the phone Caroline did speak to Mitchell, Cathy, and her best friend Mary Claire.
"Mitchell answered the phone and I talked to Mary Claire, and we were asking what happened? Why we didn't sleep over and all that, and Mrs. Murch said in a few hours I will call you back, but..." said Caroline Busch.
Father Bob Reiker said right now the focus is on the children and how they are handling the situation.
There may be counseling situations in the near future.
KSDK