Ministers of Hospitality Security Procedures (updated 12-10-19)

The procedures below are outlined to prevent a threat, or react to a shooting or church disturbance:
Before Mass: Get walkie-talkie radios from work sacristy and confirm they are working. (see below)

1. After Mass begins (following the procession), the back doors behind the Altar should be locked. Note – the doors can be opened from the inside, but not from the outside. Also, after Mass, unlock the back doors for parishioners coming to the next Mass.
2. A minister should always (when practical) stand posted near the “panic” button – which is on the wall near the air conditioning controls (by the Holy Oils). And we should have at least 2 ministers on the right side of the church and 2 on the left side.
3. A police officer (usually will not be in uniform) will be at most, if not all, Masses. Note where the police officer is located (typically near the back of the pews).
4. During Mass, walk around the back of the pews. Be observant – does anything look out of place? Look for bulges in clothing, heavy coats on a warm day, backpacks, etc. Be a people watcher. Who is new to your Mass? Anything odd or different?
5. If anything in (4) above is “YES”, discuss with others. Alert the police officer. Most times – it will amount to nothing, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
6. If an individual with a weapon enters the main sanctuary, our first duties are to get everyone out of the church and as far away (across the street) as possible. Push the panic button. Call 911. Open doors for parishioners to exit. Break out windows (fire extinguishers are positioned near the windows – use them!)
7. Cry room and chapel – don’t forget to help them exit the church.
8. Pay attention to the assailant. Height, weight, gender, age, race, color of clothing, and so forth – every little detail may be important.
9. If there is a shooting incident, it is highly likely the shooting will be over before the police arrive. To survive such a moment, we must be prepared to act as follows:
   1. RUN – first priority. Find an escape route. Evacuate as many parishioners as possible and get far, far away. Doors, windows, whatever means possible. Call for help.
   2. HIDE – if you cannot escape, then hide / block / barricade doors. If at night, turn out the lights. Stay quiet. Put cell phone on vibrate.
   3. FIGHT – cannot run nor hide? Then, we will have to attack. Throw books or other objects (shoes) to distract the attacker.

Walkie Talkie Radios: Each radio should be pre-set to Channel 1. The radios will clip on to your belt or waist, and ear piece with whisper microphone will connect from the side of the radio to your ear with the mic clipping to the front of your shirt or collar. To talk, push the button on the side of the mic. Release button to hear. Talk in normal or soft voice; don’t shout. Use them – practice during Mass so you will be ready in case a bad situation develops.