Do you feel safe at your parish? Are you worried that your family could be at risk of a terror threat during Mass? Their protection is something to take seriously.

Caller Eric from Virginia brought up a crucial concern: the growing hostility towards Christians, especially after a recent attempted mass shooting in Louisiana. Eric asked for advice on how to approach his parish priest about implementing a safety plan. 🛡️

Patrick Madrid shared that his parish is very proactive with security measures, including having a dedicated security team and organizing active shooter training sessions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bring this up with your priest:

Arrange a Meeting: Politely request a meeting with your pastor.

Express Your Concern: Mention the increasing incidents of violence and your desire to help keep the parish safe.

Offer to Assist: Volunteer to lead the organization of security measures, so the priest isn’t overwhelmed with additional responsibilities.

Propose Specific Actions: Suggest forming a security committee, possibly with parishioners who have military or law enforcement experience.

Emphasize Training: Recommend active shooter training for the parishioners to ensure everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency.

Safety Tips Shared by Patrick:

Situational Awareness: Always know your exits based on where you’re sitting in the church.

Immediate Action: If something happens, get out as quickly as possible. Staying immobile can make you an easy target. Don’t play dead, because you’re making yourself vulnerable.

Community Efforts:

Doug from Scottsdale, Arizona shared how his parish adopted the “Porters of St. Joseph,” a laymen group providing security and assistance during Masses. This initiative is supported by local bishops and is spreading across parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix and Tucson.

The Role of Armed Parishioners:

Jeff, a deputy sheriff from Gilbert, Arizona, asked about the morality of carrying a concealed firearm in church. Patrick assured him not to worry and that there is no Church teaching against it. He reminded us of the importance of being prepared to protect the congregation. Having armed, trained individuals can significantly reduce potential harm during an attack.

Key Takeaways:

Preparation and Training: Essential to minimize risks during violent incidents.

Community Involvement: Engage parishioners in creating and maintaining safety measures.

Support from the Clergy: Priests and bishops are generally supportive of measures that bring about the safety of their congregations.

Stay vigilant, stay safe, and keep your parish community protected! 🙏🛡️

Remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Let’s use our faith and practical wisdom to safeguard our churches. 🌟💒

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