Safety of our Parish and Schools

Dear Parishioners,

In light of the recent tragic events at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I want to update you on our efforts to ensure safety and security here at Our Lady of the Assumption.

While both our schools already have thorough plans in place in case an emergency occurs during the school day, it is time to develop a comprehensive plan for our entire campus. To assist in this endeavor, I have convened an OLA Security Committee led by me and composed of OLA school and preschool leadership, parish leadership, campus security, and an officer from the Brookhaven Police Department. Our committee is assessing current security protocols, identifying areas for improvement, and will prepare recommendations for enhanced safety measures for all areas of our campus.

Now is also an appropriate time to share with you once again the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s official policy regarding weapons on campus – specifically firearms and knives. The salient portion of the decree reads:

Except in those cases where the law authorizes possession of a weapon by specified individuals (such as municipal, state, or federal law enforcement officers, or authorized security personnel), or in such other situations provided in this Decree, no person may possess a weapon in any facility owned, leased or operated by the Archdiocese or Diocese.

For purposes of this Decree, a weapon is:

• any pistol, revolver or other handgun;

• any shotgun, rifle, or other long gun; and

• any offensive or defensive knife or cutting instrument with a blade that is greater than five inches in length…

The entire decree can be found online at https://archatl.com/wp-content/uploads/common-decree-related-to-weapons-en.pdf.

I will continue to keep you informed as the OLA Security Committee carries out its work. In the meantime, I ask for your prayers, cooperation, and support as we work together to keep our community safe and secure.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Daniel P. Ketter

Pastor