From the Pastor October 4/5

Has It Come To This?

At times parishioners will approach me with a bulletin from a parish they have recently visited. Often, they are parishes in Florida and they point out what a large collection they have. Sunday a parishioner showed me a bulletin from a collaborative in Braintree. She was upset. In the bulletin were announced new security procedures being implemented in the churches. After the beginning of Mass, as a security precaution, all but one door to the church would be locked. Security cameras were also being installed outside of the churches. According to the bulletin the precautions were suggested by a parish security committee, had the approval of the Parish Council, and followed guidelines from the Archdiocese of Boston. 

The actions were a response to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis in August. Regrettably, last Sunday, soon after the parishioner and I spoke, a Mormon Church in Michigan was attacked and at least four people were killed. As of Monday, there was no news on the motive of the assailant or if he had any connection to the church. 

More and more churches are establishing safety committees. This summer a visitor told me he was a member of his parish safety committee in North Carolina. He said they carry guns! We don’t want to come to that! We want Holy Redeemer to be a place where everyone feels safe and welcome. I feel reluctant to lock doors or post armed guards. Security measures often can only slow down an attack. The best short term safety measure is to remember, “If we see something say something.” Be alert to odd behavior or suspicious activity around church. 

This topic of church safety came up at a recent Zoom Meeting with Bishop da Cunha. On the call a former police officer, who is a security consultant for the diocese, gave some suggestions for making churches safer. He will organize a workshop in the coming months.

I’m considering a Parish Safety Committee, not with the focus of guarding the church but with the emphasis on member care. They would be people ready to respond to all emergencies, most of all medical, or emotional crisis in church. At times people show up at church experiencing an emotional crisis. They aren’t a physical threat to others, just experiencing emotional problems. They need some compassion. Catholic Social Services has a training program for parishioners willing to step in and help in these rare occasions.

If you might be interested in this training or you have an emergency services background that would be useful as part of a parish security team, please let me know. The parish could use you.

News report on Sunday stated the attack at the Michigan church was our country’s 324th mass shooting, an incident with more than four victims, wounded or killed, in the 272 days of 2025. That is almost 1 ½ shootings each day! These shootings don’t have to happen. No other civilized country in the world has this level of violence. Polls, even one by Fox News, tell us over 90% of Americans plead for stronger gun control, especially laws to prevent guns from getting into the hands of mentally unstable people. Unfortunately, so many politicians are bought off by the gun lobby. I refuse to believe the Second Amendment is worth even one life! 

Unless the Lord Builds 2025 Capital Campaign

The Lord is building the house we call Holy Redeemer Church. The 2025 Capital Campaign underway. It has already received donations and pledges of over $275,000. Registered parishioners who have yet to donate received a second letter from Fr. Sullivan, a project brochure, and pledge card asking for your gift to the Capital Campaign. Over the next three years we will raise $750,000 for several projects. 

In 2022, the parish raised $1.2 million dollars to help fund the addition for the elevator and renovations to the church. What would a truly sacrificial gift to the Capital Campaign look like for you? If you gave a gift to the 2022 Campaign, could you double or triple your gift to this campaign if you spread it over three years? I especially want to encourage parishioners who didn’t contribute in 2022. It is evident from the results; the money was well spent. Please prayerfully reflect on your gift to the Capital Campaign and make it as generous as possible. 

Blessing of Animals

Saturday October 4 was the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. In addition to being the founder of the Franciscan Order. St. Francis is the Patron Saint of Animals. The parish will hold a Blessing of the Animals Prayer Service on Sunday October 5 at 12 Noon in the church parking lot. Bring your dogs, cats, and other pets for this annual blessing. 

October Is Pro-Life Month

October is Pro-Life Month and we would like to call your attention to two important events planned for the month. 

The Massachusetts Legislature came close to legalize physician assisted suicide during last year’s session. It will most certainly be considered again this coming year. Everyone needs to be better educated on this issue. Canada legalized physician assisted suicide in recent years and it has had a harrowing effect on its health care system. 

The Cape Cod Pro-Life Alliance is sponsoring a talk by Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk (Fr. Tad), a priest of the Fall River Diocese and Director of the National Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, a nationally recognized speaker on physician assisted suicide and end-of-life care, on Wednesday Oct. 22, 5:45 PM at Corpus Christi Parish Center, East Sandwich. Admission is free, pizza and refreshments will be provided. Come learn more about this issue.

Also, the Annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass takes place today (Sunday, October 12) at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second St., Fall River, MA 02721. Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., will be celebrant of the Mass, which is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Mass is open to the public and no registration is required.

Pray the Rosary in October

October is also the month of the Rosary. Pope Leo has asked every Catholic to pray the Rosary for peace in our world every day of October. Please plan to pray for this intention this month. 

Living Rosary

Annually, the Holy Redeemer Woman’s Club sponsors a Living Rosary. It will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 4 p.m. A Sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Desks at the church doors. Each participant is a “bead” of the Rosary. Refreshments will follow in the Parish Center. Come celebrate the Month of the Rosary with fellow parishioners.