A Pastoral Reflection on Safety, Responsibility, and Our Shared Mission

Dear Parish Family,

I would like to take a moment to speak openly with you about the recent changes to safety and security procedures within our parish.

These changes were not made lightly, nor without prayerful consideration. As your pastor, it saddens me to know that for some, these adjustments have caused frustration, discomfort, or even misunderstanding. It has been particularly difficult to witness moments where animosity or ill will has been directed toward parish staff, the Diocese, or myself because of these decisions. That was never my hope, nor my intention.

At the heart of these changes is responsibility, not a lack of trust.

As a parish of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, we are required to follow diocesan insurance and risk management standards designed to protect our people, our parish, and our clergy. These standards reflect the reality of the world we live in today. They call us to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to safety.

One of the clear expectations within these guidelines is that access to parish facilities must be controlled, limited, and documented. For this reason, it is no longer appropriate—regardless of good intentions, long-standing service, or personal trust—for individuals or groups to have open or informal access to parish buildings. This is why we have implemented measures such as limiting keys, changing locks, managing access codes, and establishing a formal check-out process.

It is important to understand that trust does not mean unlimited access. In fact, responsible security protects everyone: parishioners, volunteers, staff, and clergy alike. When access is loosely shared, accountability is lost and risk increases for all.

I fully recognize that these changes represent a shift from the status quo. Change can feel uncomfortable, especially when it touches routines that were built on generosity, goodwill, and years of faithful service. It is my sincere hope that these measures are not seen as a judgment against anyone’s character, nor as an expression of pride or ownership, but rather as an act of stewardship—rooted in care for the safety of all who enter our parish.

Our volunteers give generously of their time and talent, often quietly and faithfully, and for that I am deeply grateful. That spirit of service remains at the heart of our parish. These policies do not diminish that service; they seek to protect it.

I ask, as your pastor, that we move forward together with charity, patience, and mutual respect. We are one parish family, called to work together in communion with one another and in fidelity to diocesan norms. Let us ensure that our conversations and actions reflect the Gospel values we profess—especially when we do not all agree.

Thank you for your continued love for this parish, for one another, and for the mission entrusted to us. May we continue to walk together in faith, responsibility, and peace.

With gratitude and prayer,

Fr. Joseph Gates

Pastor

"Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them."

- St. Therese of Lisieux

PART 2 Of Our Safety & Security Updates:

Why We Ask You to Sign In at the Cabrini Center.

St. Frances Cabrini Church – Cabrini Hall

To help keep Cabrini Hall safe and well cared for, all individuals and groups using the Hall are required to sign in and out.

The sign-in log allows the parish to know who is expected to be in the building at a given time. For example, if a door is found unlocked, lights or equipment are left on, or an issue is discovered after hours, the log helps us respond responsibly and appropriately.

In the event of an emergency—such as a fire alarm, medical situation, or evacuation—the sign-in sheet provides critical information for parish staff and emergency responders in determining whether anyone may still be inside the building.

Maintaining a record of building use is also required by diocesan and insurance standards. These records protect our volunteers, staff, and parish by documenting that parish facilities are being used with appropriate oversight.

In earlier times, parish life often relied on familiarity, informal access, and the assumption that “everyone knew everyone.” In today’s world, those approaches are no longer adequate. Changing safety expectations, legal responsibilities, and the realities of modern society require more intentional and documented practices.



This sign-in process is not about mistrust. It is about stewardship, accountability, and our shared responsibility to care for our parish buildings and for one another. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep Cabrini Hall a safe, respectful, and welcoming space for all.