Date: October 2, 2020
To: Pastors, Parochial Administrators, Parish Stewards
From: Glen Faulkner, Parish Security Coordinator
RE: Security Workshops
One of our priorities is to provide training and information about security issues that impact safety in our parishes and schools. As part of this effort, we have planned three separate workshops on various aspects of parish security. Each workshop will be presented via LifeSize.
Workshop 1: Behavioral Threat Indicators – Active assailant events don’t happen on a whim. Years of studies show perpetrators plan their attacks carefully, frequently giving advanced notice of what they are about to do. This workshop will describe these clues and how best to respond to them.
Workshop 2: De-escalation techniques – Calming an agitated or angry person can be a challenge, especially in a moment of crisis. This presentation will feature trained negotiators sharing some tips and advice to help you attain a peaceful outcome to such encounters.
Workshop 3: Active assailant (shooter) events – What happens in an active assailant event and what responses offer the best outcome? This presentation looks at what we can learn from past incidents in order to increase our safety.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 1:30pm – 3:30pm via Lifesize
For more information, contact: Glen Faulkner, Security Coordinator gfaulkner@scd.org • 916-733-0125
The above comes from an Oct. 2 Diocese of Sacramento memo to pastors.
I carry concealed when I go to Mass. When I go anywhere.
Thankful for the right to keep and bear arms! Churches are soft targets, easy prey for those determined to attack. In Texas, December 2019, a gunman shot and killed two church members before being killed by an armed member of the congregation. Had it not been for the good guy with a gun, the death count would have been greater. Guns in the right hands make us safer. Vote to protect The Second Amendment!
Parishes can probably improve security significantly with security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms — all directly linked to law enforcement. Do we need armed guards as greeters and ushers?
Yes. In the 3-10 minutes it would take for police to arrive, an assailant could cause massive carnage and death. Even better, bishops should encourage all parishioners to pack heat when they attend Mass. A good guy with a gun can take down an assailant in ten seconds, well before police arrive.
Maybe, if that’s what it takes to keep parishioners safe.
I am very appreciative that preparations are being made. I pray that it is never needed.
Before the diabolic 1960s, Americans were more respectful of law and order. The schools were of better quality, and Judeo-Christian, Biblically-based morals (and good manners) were upheld. There was no mindless, ignorant “social rebellion” of juvenile delinquents, “too big for their britches,” led by sick, troubled misfits. Traditional Marriage and Family life was the heart of society. About 80% of American adults were married, raising families, and attended their church/synagogue weekly. Christian Morality, and responsible censorship of filth and evil, was upheld– and kids were much safer, everyone was much safer! No society is perfect– each generation can responsibly and intelligently contribute to the improvement of society! Our society desperately needs a return to our excellent Judeo-Christian foundations– “One Nation Under God!” Everyone should pull together– Black, White, Hispanic, Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Jew, LGBT, etc.– leading good, responsible lives, upholding good morals and good manners — with respect for everyone, and pride in our great country– all together! This would greatly reduce the current problems of unrest and violence!
I am very thankful that our Church is seeking to protect us and our loved ones, from acts of violence and terrorism! Hope the current problems of violence, terrorism, and lawlessness in our Nation, will soon be ended! I have missed the days.of long ago, when churches were respected, we had religious mandates of proper dress, head coverings for women and girls, and silence and reverence when entering a church– and all of our churches were open 24 hours! Slip into a church at any time, make a Visit to the Blessed Sacrament, light a candle, pray for loved ones, say a Rosary– or go wake up Father, if a loved one was in danger of death– to hasten with the Last Rites and prayers!