Twin Cities Catholic churches tighten security after Annunciation shooting

Following the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church during a Mass, Catholic parishes throughout the Twin Cities are tightening security measures to ensure the safety of their congregations. St. Thomas More Catholic Community has limited access to two monitored entrances and implemented an intercom system for added security. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has responded by issuing new guidelines urging churches to strengthen security measures and collaborate with local law enforcement.

Many parishes, like the Church of St. Albert the Great, are already revising their access protocols, reflecting a growing concern for congregant safety. Cece Ryan, business administrator at St. Boniface Catholic Church, expressed her distress over the necessity of locking doors during services, emphasizing the church's traditional role as a sanctuary. Unparalleled Security, a local firm, reported a surge in requests for security personnel from churches and schools seeking to bolster safety.

The ongoing adjustments underscore the delicate balance between maintaining a welcoming environment and ensuring security in places of worship. This trend resonates with broader national shifts in security practices among faith communities following incidents of violence.