January 14, 2024
In Fall 2024, Archbishop Hartmayer instructed my brother pastors of the Archdiocese and I to implement a Parish Emergency Plan to ensure the safety of our parishioners and visitors. Our Preschool and OLA School already have exceptional emergency plans. Now is the time to create one for the parish!
Yesterday I met with my safety committee – which includes staff, a pastoral council member, our security company, and an officer of the Brookhaven Police Department – to begin planning.
While there are a number of systems that we will implement in the future, there is one safety precaution that we will implement immediately – limiting access to the church during Mass.
This entails the following:
Transept Door on the Ambo/Right side of the Church: From this point forward, this door will remain locked at all times. It will no longer be open for weekend Masses. A sign will be placed on the door directing parishioners to the chapel entrance door or the entrance door at tabernacle transept.
If you hear someone trying to access the church through that door, plesae do not open it.
Doors Locking once Mass Begins: Beginning this weekend, the front doors of the church and the entrance on the second floor will be locked FIVE MINUTES after the scheduled Mass time. Late arrivals will be directed to the chapel entrance door or the entrance door at tabernacle transept.
Although locked, these doors are still able to open from the inside if you need to exit the church.
In the coming months, I will provide you with further information on the progress of the Emergency Planning Committee.
I am excited about what we have discussed so far and look forward to working with all of you on this very important mission to keep our campus – and our people – safe.
Yours in Mary, Our Mother,
Father Jim
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