We need to safeguard the Blessed Sacrament, our fellow parishioners and our churches

You probably read about parishioners subduing a man recently as he attacked a church in our Archdiocese just before Mass and knocked down the pastor. And the police found a loaded and cocked pistol on him.

Here are a few ideas that I posted as a comment yesterday about the need for every diocese and parish to defend the Blessed Sacrament, our churches and our parishioners from attacks by anti-Catholics, nuts and demonics.

Some of these suggestions might not fly, because of insurance concerns or existing Church policy, or because law enforcement might deem them unwise. But I am suggesting them anyway, just to get comments going about a genuine need we have.

Parishes can guard themselves, in a strictly defensive posture, against outside attacks -- by working with the police ahead of time to arrange quick response, having a plan in place to have the ushers phone the police immediately in case of attack, stationing as guards during Masses and other events and services any parishioners who are off-duty law enforcement or military, and perhaps using as guards, during Masses, other services and any events, some physically able men including perhaps some from the local Knights of Columbus.

Parishes should also have video surveillance cameras covering the sanctuary and elsewhere inside and outside their churches. Motion detectors are also good. Parishes can also employ security and guard services to patrol their premises and their neighborhoods.

Pastors and parishioners in concert with them should also work ahead of time with the local district attorney and the local FBI and other law enforcement officials to make sure that they will seek hate crimes charges against those who commit anti-Catholic attacks.

What is at stake here is the safety of the Blessed Sacrament and the lives and well-being of our parishioners, as well as the safety of our consecrated churches.

What ideas do you have?


Christ's peace be with us all.