Twin Cities Catholic Churches Boost Security Post-Shooting

Churches in the Twin Cities Reassess Security Measures After Tragic Shooting

Catholic parishes across the Twin Cities are reevaluating their security protocols and adjusting daily routines to ensure the safety of their congregants following a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. This shift has led to increased vigilance, with many churches locking doors, hiring additional security personnel, and implementing new measures to protect worshippers.

At St. Thomas More Catholic Community in St. Paul, heightened security was evident during the school’s opening Mass. The parish has long maintained locked doors outside of Mass times and installed an intercom system. Now, only two entrances remain open during services, both monitored by ushers and cameras. In addition, the school has modified its routines, including more controlled student processions from the school building to the church. Parents have also been kept informed through regular safety updates.

Father RJ Fichtinger, the pastor of St. Thomas More, noted that most families appreciate the changes. “I think most families are grateful that we’re taking it seriously,” he said.

The shooting at Annunciation, which occurred during the school’s opening Mass, left two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—dead and 21 others injured. This tragedy shattered the sense of safety that many had associated with places of worship.

In response, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis issued new safety guidelines, urging church leaders to collaborate closely with law enforcement, tighten visitor protocols, and consider increasing security presence. Paul Iovino, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment, emphasized the importance of these steps.

Security companies like Unparalleled Security have seen a surge in requests for assistance since the incident. Owner Christopher Forest mentioned that some churches and schools are now seeking 24-hour coverage or up to 40 hours per week during school services.

Many churches, including St. Thomas More, have already been addressing these concerns before the shooting. For example, the Church of St. Albert the Great in Minneapolis now restricts access to certain entrances during Mass. Reverend Joseph Gillespie shared that the community is considering whether to end the practice of keeping all doors unlocked during services.

St. Boniface Catholic Church in northeast Minneapolis is also evaluating this approach. Cece Ryan, the business administrator, expressed her discomfort with the idea of locking doors during Mass but acknowledged the need for safety. “Church has always been a sanctuary for me, but it’s something that we have to look at to keep the people inside the church safe.”

The Basilica of St. Mary has long maintained a strong security presence. In 2023, they hired Joe Cybert as director of security. According to Reverend Daniel Griffith, Cybert is working with law enforcement to enhance safety measures, including locked classroom doors and guards during faith formation classes.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community in south Minneapolis relies on a comprehensive security plan developed over a decade ago. Dennis Heaney, the parish administrator, described the plan as covering nearly every possible scenario. However, the Annunciation shooting prompted the staff to revisit and reaffirm their commitment to the plan. The strategy includes locking doors during services and consulting with parishioners who work in law enforcement.

This dilemma of balancing faith and security is not unique to Catholic communities. Jewish congregations across the country have also revised their security measures after the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh. Armed guards, cameras, and volunteer training have become standard practices.

David Kaplan, CEO of the St. Paul Jewish Federation, stated that the tragedy changed everything for how the community approaches safety. “It’s hard not to notice the security protocols,” he said. “But it’s especially hard to explain to our kids why this is necessary.”

Some parishes, such as St. Olaf in downtown Minneapolis and the Cathedral of St. Paul, have chosen to keep their doors open during the day, relying on ushers, security, and increased police visibility. Reverend Joseph Johnson of the Cathedral of St. Paul emphasized the importance of maintaining an open space. “We feel strongly that the cathedral should be open,” he said.

Faith leaders recognize the challenge of ensuring safety without compromising the sense of sanctuary. Kaplan believes Jewish congregations have found a middle ground where both priorities coexist. Similarly, Reverend Gillespie of St. Albert the Great noted that the resilience shown during previous challenges, such as the unrest following George Floyd’s murder, continues to support the community.

St. Joan of Arc also experienced unusually large crowds, with two Sunday Masses held in the parish gymnasium being standing-room only. At St. Thomas More, more than 300 students and parents attended the first all-school Mass of the year, marked by grief and concern for their children's safety.

Father Fichtinger highlighted the emotional impact of the gathering. “As we were gathering as a community and entering into prayer, that process was healing.” Despite the heightened security, the parish aimed to maintain a sense of normalcy for families. Police officers present for security reasons greeted children at the church doors with stickers, emphasizing the importance of creating a peaceful environment.

“People’s relationship with security personnel can be fraught with tension,” Fichtinger said. “Our hope is to still make this a place of peace.”