Safety and Security Plan

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Safety and Security of Houses of Worship and Schools has become a significant concern in these unsettled times which are now characterized by hatred, violence and unrest. In response to this potential threat, the Diocese of Fall River is assisting parishes in creating a Safety and Security Plan.

Several parishioners and I have already attended a Safety and Security Workshop sponsored by the Diocese. I have recently scheduled a site assessment with a safety expert provided by the Diocese, free of charge, who will provide onsite guidance and recommendations regarding the Safety and Security at our St. Pius X Church, Religious Education Building, Parish Life Center and Our Lady of the Highway Chapel. We have also already established a Safety and Security Team to lead us in these efforts.

The next step will be to develop our plan of action, guided by professional expertise and local first-responder resources. The final step will comprise a much larger team, possibly including YOU, to implement our plan!

Who are we looking for to join our efforts in creating a safer, yet still welcoming environment here at St. Pius X Parish? The following are some of the qualities which would be helpful:

· A person who typically attends the same daily or weekend Mass.

· A person who is friendly, a good communicator, and willing to learn situational awareness skills.

· A person who may have a background in the military, or as a first-responder. – A person who may have a background in any form of medicine, nursing or EMS

· A person willing to attend Mass, but also to be positioned in a habitual manner, inside or outside the church, to assist in surveillance and prevention.

· A person who can be trained to utilize the benefit of two-way radio technology.

· A person willing to attend an occasional Safety and Security Workshop to learn proper protocols and help everyone to be fully comfortable and consistent with our goals.

We urge you to please consider assisting our parish with these safety efforts. Even if you consider participation in these efforts, there is no obligation going forward. We will set up a safety meeting for all who respond to this letter so that you can understand participation protocol before committing to join our team. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Questions and/or responses can be addressed to Frank Puzio, Safety and Security Team Chairman at DrFPuzio@gmail.com or at (508)737-6867.

Blessings and Peace,

Fr. John Kelleher

Pastor