Easy to say, Matthew. Especially in places away from urban blight. Much harder to be so keen and principled after multiple incidents of vandalism, theft, and intense bleach interventions in washrooms. Though, maybe janitors, administrators, and volunteers would be more keen to spend entire afternoons resolving issues like this in addition to the work they already have with the prospect of a “A” grade.
We had two vandalisms recently in Milwaukee at Marquette University's historic Church of the Gesu which resulted in shattered statues, a broken door, smashed kneelers. The men who committed these acts were experiencing significant mental health distress. And yet, I can't help but think the church should never be closed. Who and what else are these buildings for?
I read about that, and I love that church. I was so sorry to see it. Was it open at the time (the damaged door makes me wonder). Either way, I don't know if closed churches entirely mitigates these risks. St. Anne's in Toronto was burnt down when it was sealed shut. One priest after this talk told of a church he worked at that didn't even have a lock! That's bold to be sure!
The first attack was during early Mass in the chapel. The second was Easter Sunday before Mass (hence the axe in the door). A church with no locks reminds me of my days in Grand Rapids we always went to Marge's Donut Den whose slogan was "We Never Close." They did, however, have locks on the door.
Easy to say, Matthew. Especially in places away from urban blight. Much harder to be so keen and principled after multiple incidents of vandalism, theft, and intense bleach interventions in washrooms. Though, maybe janitors, administrators, and volunteers would be more keen to spend entire afternoons resolving issues like this in addition to the work they already have with the prospect of a “A” grade.
Indeed. I admit my parish's own inability to stay open as well. That's what led me to the surprising notes of grace in the passage.
We had two vandalisms recently in Milwaukee at Marquette University's historic Church of the Gesu which resulted in shattered statues, a broken door, smashed kneelers. The men who committed these acts were experiencing significant mental health distress. And yet, I can't help but think the church should never be closed. Who and what else are these buildings for?
I read about that, and I love that church. I was so sorry to see it. Was it open at the time (the damaged door makes me wonder). Either way, I don't know if closed churches entirely mitigates these risks. St. Anne's in Toronto was burnt down when it was sealed shut. One priest after this talk told of a church he worked at that didn't even have a lock! That's bold to be sure!
The first attack was during early Mass in the chapel. The second was Easter Sunday before Mass (hence the axe in the door). A church with no locks reminds me of my days in Grand Rapids we always went to Marge's Donut Den whose slogan was "We Never Close." They did, however, have locks on the door.