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To: Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Sisters, Principals and Parish Staff
From: Paula Gwynn Grant, Director, Office of Communications
Last week, we again saw news headlines of the tragic mass shooting in California. With this occurring but weeks after the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, we continue to pray for victims and their families, our communities as well as our nation.
Many of our parishes have asked about Active Shooter training and resources. Catholic Mutual Group has tips and immediate information available to you: Catholic Mutual – Church Security.
In addition, here is a link to the video of last year’s Chancery training about how to prepare your church/school for a potential active shooter: Active Shooter Presentation.
Online trainings and more safety information are also available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Resources to Protect Your House of Worship.
Please consider asking your local police department to visit your parish/school and conduct an active shooter training with your staff and volunteers. You already partner with them in various ways. They are very willing to assess your parish/school and offer this safety training.
Finally, in 2014, Archbishop Gregory issued a decree regarding weapons in our churches/schools. Included is language to use to instruct your parishioners as well as acceptable exceptions. The decree can be viewed here.
For further explanation, please see this Georgia Bulletin article and Archbishop Gregory’s 2014 column:
• Archbishop ‘will officially restrict’ presence of weapons in Catholic institutions
• Decrying the state’s new gun law
For questions about the resources from Catholic Mutual Group, please contact Alex Hagan, Claims/Risk Manager, at AHagan@catholicmutual.org.
For clarification about the decree and guidance from Archbishop Gregory, please contact Frank Mulcahy, Executive Director, Georgia Catholic Conference: fmulcahy@georgiacc.org.
Peace be with you.