Update #3 (Octber 2023):  The Security Ministry recently completed painting the emergency exit steel double doors in the Parish Center. These doors were installed earlier this year as part of our FEMA grant, but they were shipped only with (grey) factory primer. That paint color is "Terra Cotta Urn" (Behr). 



Update #2 (September 2023):  The Summer of 2023 saw the completion of our FY21 NSGP (i.e., the "Security Grant") and the start of internal awareness meetings on the new systems. This Summer also brought the exciting news that we have received a second FEMA Security Grant (i.e., FY23 NSGP). As such, in 2024 we will begin using these new funds to continue to improve parish safety and security, including exterior lighting upgrades, window replacements, and the expansion of systems initially installed under the original Security Grant.

Thanks to the Security Ministry for their continued efforts to improve the safety of our parish community, including securing some $300k in total funding to date. The Security Ministry is always looking for new members, specifically parishioners with strong organizational skills, document writing experience, and/or experience with building/contractor management. Please reach-out to [email protected] if you are interested in joining the Security Ministry or merely have questions.

Finally, kudos to our principle contractors, O'Donnell Construction (Mt Arlington) and Dynamic Protection Systems, Inc. (Middlesex) for all their efforts. Also, thanks to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson and Hopatcong Police for their support on this journey.

Update #1 (September 2022): The summer of 2022 saw the video surveillance and building access control systems installed across the Parish. This Fall we will be replacing seven doors and retrofitting five others for connection to the building access control system, allowing automated scheduling of building locking/unlocking, as well as eliminating the risks associated with key distribution.  These changes all contribute to the mission areas of the FEMA NSGP and the overall safety of our Parish.

Among the doors being replaced is the church main entrance door, as illustrated in the sketch above.  The clear glass will have the etched patterns shown, which are in the style of the stained-glass windows used in the church. The deteriorating tile work around the door will also be replaced with a synthetic stucco color matched to the building stone.   

In August of 2021 our parish was awarded a FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Progam (NSGP) on only its second attempt. The intent of the $150k reimbursement grant program  is to "integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies". There is a 3-year implementation period with equipment installation expected to begin in 2022 and continuing thorughout 2023.

To learn more about the overall security program at our parish see HERE.

If you have skills in document writing, product procurement, projet management, general contracting, or physical/cyber security then we could use your support. Benefits include fellowship and free training; you do not need to be a specialist in any of these fields. If you have no such experience but are still interesting in helping, then please give us a shout.

To learn more or to volunteer contact us HERE.