Parish Safety Resources
Welcoming and Safe CommunitiesResources for Parish Safety and Risk
Safety Resources
- Power of Hello Program and Resources
- Best Practices for Church Safety Teams
- Safety Plan Template
- Catholic Mutual Safety and Security Guide
- U.S. Homeland Security – Protecting Houses of Worship
- U.S. Homeland Security – NSI Awarness Flyer
- Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide
- Tornado Preparedness- Red Cross
- Volunteer Security in Houses of Worship – Texas Attorney General
- Guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
- Guide for Developing High Quality School Emergency Operations Plans
Self Assessment Tools
The Diocese encourages each parish to give thoughtful attention to the safety and well-being of all who come to our churches, offices, schools, and parish events. Parish safety planning should support the Church’s mission of welcome, prayer, and pastoral care by helping create an environment where parishioners, visitors, volunteers, clergy, and staff can worship and serve with confidence. Each parish is encouraged to maintain a basic safety plan, approved by the pastor, that reflects the parish’s own circumstances, facilities, ministries, and local community.
The resources on this page are provided to assist pastors and parish leaders as they consider practical ways to prepare for emergencies, coordinate with local first responders, support medical response, train staff and volunteers, and promote prudent security awareness. These resources are offered for general guidance and do not require or endorse any particular security model, vendor, training provider, or approach. Parish safety efforts should be calm, well-supervised, and pastor-approved, and should never create an atmosphere that unnecessarily alarms, isolates, or intimidates parishioners or guests.
