I announced at Masses last weekend about a new safety practice we are starting at weekend Masses.
In September, at the request of the bishop and in light of several incidents around the country at houses of worship, I formed a parish safety committee made up of parishioners with a range of experience and expertise. We’ve been meeting to review safety practices and procedures, including assisting with the recent safety meeting for adorers. We’re still reviewing our Adoration safety plan.
They also helped me review our Religious Ed practices and make thoughtful improvements where needed, including keeping the building locked during classes with monitored entry.
What I shared last weekend is the first concrete step coming out of that work as it relates to our weekend Masses.
Our church has a unique layout. We have one main entrance, and once Mass begins, everyone’s attention is directed toward the altar. That means late entry happens behind the congregation and can go unnoticed. Several parishioners have shared with me that this feels unsettling.
So beginning last weekend, we are now locking the main entrance about ten minutes after Mass begins.
Latecomers will still be welcomed, and the doors will always allow people to exit normally at any time. The purpose of this is to prevent unsupervised entry during Mass and to make sure access happens in an orderly and attentive way.
Outside the door, there will be a clearly marked button. (See photo below.) Pressing it will quietly alert an usher seated in the back of the church, who will come and let the person in. Once the door is locked, I ask that only the ushers handle opening it, so there’s one clear and consistent process for everyone. In almost every case, this simply means opening the door and welcoming someone, just with a bit more intention and awareness than before.
We’ve also seen a recent incident at a nearby parish in Taunton where someone entered in the middle of Mass and caused a disruption. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Situations like that remind us why having a monitored point of entry during Mass is helpful.
I want to be clear about two things. First, this is not about fear. It’s about stewardship of a space entrusted to us and care for one another. Second, this is not the final word. I want your feedback. Feel free to reach out to me.
We’re doing this together, carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. Thank you for your trust.