Protect the Flock
Keeping our parish safe
Protect the Flock (PTF), a security ministry at our parish, was established after researching the magnitude of dangerous and violent events that are increasingly occurring at Catholic and Christian churches across the U.S.
The federal National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and others have reported increased numbers of church “incidents” taking place in Catholic and Christian churches. These incidents have included arson, smashing stained glass windows, destruction of statues, vandalism, burglaries, and other destruction inside Catholic churches. Gravestones have been defaced with swastikas and threatening anti-Catholic language. Other incidents have included a stabbing, multiple cases of cars being driven through churches, protestors attempting to storm churches, and gunshots fired at churches, as well as death threats and bomb threats.
It has become necessary for church congregations to be aware and to be prepared for sudden emergencies of all kinds.
Protect the Flock means just what it says. Medical emergencies are managed by our team members who have received first aid, AED and CPR training. We keep an eye out for potentially dangerous incidents, as described above, happening at our parish. Although unlikely, if any of these events occur, the PTF team knows how to guide parishioners to safety. Knowledge is power and preparation for emergencies reduces mass panic in the event of an emergency.
We at St. John Paul the Great Parish will always be a welcoming and loving parish open to all who want to worship God safely with peace of mind. Know that when you close your eyes to pray in our churches, you are safe.
We are currently looking to expand our team. Do you want to do something meaningful beyond once-a-week worship at Sunday Mass? Do you feel a calling to care for God’s people? We welcome people from a variety of backgrounds who will bring their own experiences to the team. We also seek individuals who are fluent in Spanish to assist with the Spanish Mass and community. There is one basic requirement – a desire to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” — 1 Peter 5:2-12
For more information, call the Pastoral Center at 860-482-4433 and all inquiries will be answered. You may also schedule a time to come and observe the team in action.
God bless you,
Robbie Raffa, Director
Protect the Flock
Robbie Raffa is a (Retired) DEA Supervisory Special Agent, (Retired) South Windsor Police Officer, NRA Firearms Instructor, DEA Firearms Instructor, Master of Science, bachelor’s degree, associate degree.
*www.usccb.org/resources/backgrounder-attacks-catholic-churches-us