Archdiocese of Baltimore parishes learn to be pastoral in the face of threats

CARNEY – When congregants are sitting in the pew during Mass, they may be focused on the action on the altar. In the meantime, safety professionals are helping leaders learn to recognize potential threats of violence in their parishes and how to respond effectively.

A three-hour session on the topic March 15 at St. Isaac Jogues Parish drew from every corner of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Hosted in partnership with the archdiocese’s Office of Risk Management, the Threat Evaluation and Reporting Overview (TERO) session aimed to equip church leaders and volunteers with the tools to spot warning signs and take preventive action. 

To lead the training, Tom Alban, director of the Office of Risk Management, enlisted Lt. Kathryn Greenbeck, a St. Isaac Jogues parishioner and commander of the Behavioral Assessment Unit for Baltimore County Police.

Developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TERO raises awareness of behaviors that may signal a person’s intent to commit violence. The session drew a diverse group: ushers, security ministers, pastors, teachers, hospitality ministers, altar servers, military and law enforcement professionals and cleaning staff – anyone active in parish life.

When Greenbeck was introduced, she said that whenever a lot of people are congregated in one space in such an open environment, there is risk no matter how open and welcoming they want to be. Her presentation, therefore, was geared for “getting us to observe things a little bit differently” that should be reported to another person.

Warning signs include increasingly erratic or aggressive behavior, expressed feelings of having been wronged, drug and alcohol abuse, distancing from friends and colleagues, sudden changes in home life or personality, financial difficulties or pending criminal litigation.

The appropriate intervention, Greenbeck said, is to become aware of those drastic changes in attitudes toward others, take note of escalation in behavior, and inform the appropriate party that may help. Even a kind “hello” with eye contact can make the difference in how visitors react, even if they are upset, she cautioned.

“There are a lot of constitutionally protected activities that we may not like that are protected,” Greenbeck explained. “But I want to empower you all to be able to walk out of here feeling like, ‘OK, if this happens next time, I’m going to take it to an appropriate person.’”

When asked to give examples of the kinds of targeted violence that could possibly happen in or outside their church facilities, participants cited child custody disputes, outbursts from the mentally disturbed, road rage, divorce trauma, domestic abuse, despondency over a loss in the family or of a job, and even anger over the recent merging of parishes.

As alarming as these can be, Greenbeck said, they represent a low rate of occurrence. The more serious threats of violence are done by assailants that don’t just snap. There are stages referred to as the Pathway to Violence that a person goes through that culminate in an attack if left unchecked.

This pathway, Greenbeck pointed out, is a model based on research by prominent behavior experts (Frederick Calhoun and Steve Weston) that is the basis of the course being taught. She also highly recommended a companion publication compiled by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit: “Making Prevention a Reality: Identifying, Assessing, and Managing the Threat of Targeted Attacks.”

Greenbeck outlined the six critical steps along the Pathway to Violence:

Grievance
Often demonstrated through hostile, sarcastic or bitter speech and writings, or by stares and demeanor.

Violent Ideation
The grievance stokes thoughts of violence.

Research and Planning
Tactics and targets are researched; an attack is planned.

Preparation
Training; weapons and other materials are acquired; friends are forewarned.

Probing and Breaching
Final surveillance and testing of the targeted place or person.

Attack
Execution of the plan.

Glen Sauer of St. Joseph in Fullerton told the group that the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 people lost their lives in 2022, really ignited serious efforts in his parish and elsewhere to form working groups to address school and church shootings. His group and those of three other parishes have since formed a coalition that meets on occasion to share best protective practices that work for them.

“We also share information regarding federal and state grants that we can apply for that offer money to improve security,” Sauer said. Grant money helped them to install a hardening, protective film on windows and entryway into classrooms, making it more difficult for an intruder to attempt forced entry.

“The other important thing we did,” added Sauer, “is request a formal security threat assessment of our church and school.” This is done as a courtesy by Baltimore County Police. Similar assessments are done by other regional police departments.

Sauer urged those also interested in being part of a coalition to contact Alban’s office (talban@archbalt.org) since it is interested in formalizing a more structured coalition.

The crowd attending included representatives from more than 20 parishes.

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