The more recent shootings at a church in Texas challenge us to look at the matter of providing for the safety of all who gather for Masses and for other parish events and activities.
It seems that there are two extremes that we would hopefully want to avoid. On the one hand, it is not healthy to ignore this issue. None of us can predict when and where sporadic incidents of violence will erupt. It could happen here.
On the other hand, we want to avoid providing an atmosphere of pervasive fear in regard to this matter. Unless we are on guard, we can become obsessed with the issue of providing for security.
The possibility of acts of violence challenge us to remind ourselves of Whose we are and what we are to be about. Our parish faith communities are centered around the Goon News of God’s redeeming love for all people in our Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully in a unique way, each group and ministry of our parish communities will reflect and express some facet of the Gospel. In short, our Parishes exist to bring Christ to all people and to lead all people to Christ. Within this broad context which embraces all of us, we need to look into providing a secure environment for all persons who come to all activities.
I believe that this can be best accomplished by appointing a small committee to look into this matter. On this committee should be included representatives of groups who would be in key positions to implement security measures. These might include ushers, greeters, leadership persons in our children’s faith formation programs and youth activities, a maintenance representative and others who are in key positions to implement security procedures. Discussing security matters should not preoccupy the time and discussion at group gatherings and meetings. While providing for security has its place, our advisory groups and various ministries are called to dedicate the lion’s share of their time and energy to promote what the Lord wants our parish communities to be about.
Assumedly, our security committees will work with law enforcement persons to gain wise and creative insights for promoting security at our parishes and at St. Mary Parish, for the school community.
As we develop security plans, it is wise to consult with other parishes in our Deanery and in our Diocese. Doing this offers a sense of balance to what we do. Issues of this nature can deepen a sense of solidarity that we have with other parishes that share the same faith. We are all in this together.
After our security committees develop specific recommendations, these can be shared with key advisory bodies and with persons who would implement the procedures for their input.
Working in this way hopefully keeps our parishes on course in regard to our God-given mission to be centers of His redeeming love and hope in this world. Hopefully, the security measures and procedures that we adopt will be as transparent as is possible.
When an effective, transparent security plan is in place, this can actually free our parish communities to proactively witness to Whose we are and to what the Lord wants us to be about.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Nelson Beaver – Pastor