PARISH SAFETY & SECURITY

Below are simple things you can do to promote safety and security when attending Mass, a parish event, or the Academy:

• If you see something, say something.  If you observe suspicious activity, immediately inform a member of the clergy, minister of hospitality, or parish staff.  Signs of suspicious activity include:
  • Suspicious persons wearing bulky clothing
  • Suspicious or illegally parked vehicles near buildings or where crowds gather 

  • Unattended packages or bags such as backpacks 


• Be aware of where the nearest two exits are located if you have to evacuate the building.

• Help those who need assistance in exiting the building due to a disability. If you are unable, ensure a staff member knows that there is a person who might need assistance exiting the facility.

• Pay attention to potential fall areas when walking through the campus. Look for ice patches or slippery spots that need attention and let someone know.

• Watch for children when they are exiting the academy doors while driving aboard the St. Bartholomew Campus.

• In an Active Shooter situation, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life and the lives of others.
  • Run  - Have an escape route and plan in mind, leave your belongings behind, keep your hands visible
  • Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view, block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors, silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet  
  • Fight - Only when your life is in imminent danger.  Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.  Act with physical aggression

Comprised of volunteer active and retired law enforcement officers who remain vigilant while parishioners and guests participate in parish activities in order to keep parish functions as safe as possible.  These volunteers who are also parishioners stand ready to deter, prevent, and assist in the event of an incident that may endanger parishioners and guests. 

The purpose of the Guardian Angel Ministry is the following:  

• OUR FOCUS:  To be vigilant while parishioners and guests participate in parish activities in order to keep parish functions as safe as possible for those participating
• OUR HOPE:  To work closely with parish staff and ministry leaders in order to Deter, Prevent and Assist in the event of an incident that may present danger to parishioners and guests.

The Guardian Angels Ministry requests those in our parish community, who may have Law Enforcement and/or Military experience, to volunteer and help safeguard our parish by participating in this ministry.