May 5, 2022
Office of Risk Management
Risk Alert
No. 2022-16
Re: Potential Protests at Masses
Some media outlets are reporting that a group of pro-abortion activists called “Ruth Sent Us” is planning protests in churches nationally on Mother’s Day, this Sunday. Twitter posts from the group are calling on people to “stand at or in” a Catholic church this Sunday in protest over an anticipated Supreme Court ruling on abortion.
What you Can Do to Prepare
Involve Law Enforcement
The Office of Risk Management advises parishes to contact their local police department to put them on notice and obtain their guidance. In addition, consider asking for increased patrols or uniformed officers and police cars posted outside during this weekend’s Masses.
Train Staff
- Advise staff not to respond to the protestors or stage counter-protests. Do what you can to defuse the situation and avoid the possibility of a protest becoming destructive.
- Be sure all Mass volunteers, but especially ushers and greeters, are aware of the potential protest. Discuss your communication plan with ushers and greeters in the event they need to notify the pastor or police of an emergency situation.
Devise a Script or Message
- Work with your pastoral team to devise a message you would like to convey to the congregation in the event of a protest.
- Designate someone to be the spokesperson should media arrive.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Joe McEnness at 617-997-6213.
Please feel free to refer any media inquiries to Terry Donilon at 617-746-5775 or tdonilon@rcab.org.
PDF of this message, click here.
