St. Pius X Security Measures 2022

Beginning in the next few weeks, several new security measures will be implemented at Sunday and SPES Masses here at St. Pius X.  Please know that there have been no threats against St. Pius X or SPES, nor are there any indicators that there will be more security risks than usual.  Unfortunately, what is “usual’ has changed, as there has been a recent spate of attacks at pregnancy crisis centers, schools, and other pro-life institutions (more than 40 in the last few months) since the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked to the public prior to its formal issuance in June.
 
Although we’ve always had security on our premises, it has not always been visible.  Like some of the other large Catholic churches in Lafayette, and after consultation with the Parish Council, we’ve decided that some additional security measures should be taken to better ensure the safety of our congregation and students when we gather to worship.  Although there are several other measures that will be implemented, there are only two that you will visibly see and we want to make sure you are aware of them prior to their implementation.
 
Initially, for deterrence and intervention, we will have a visible presence of law enforcement officers at Sunday Masses (just as we do at Christmas and Easter).  Also, the police vehicle will be parked in front of the plaza, and the officer will generally be stationed in the Gathering Area.  Second, at the beginning of Mass the doors in the Marian and Josephine transepts, as well as the doors at the entrance by the covered drop off, will be locked to prevent entrance into the church (of course, one is always able to exit those doors in the case of an emergency).  This will provide a single point of entry in the Gathering Area where the security officer will be located.  We ask that those arriving after Mass has begun to please enter the church through the Gathering Area. 
 
These simple common sense steps will help to better ensure the safety of all who come to St. Pius X to worship, and will provide an environment more free from worry over the recent events that have understandably upset so many.  Let us never stand down from protecting the lives of the vulnerable, especially the unborn, and let us always stand up for justice for all in our society!  Let us pray for peace and harmony along the way.