Church steps up security, safety measures after attack on priest

Parish beefing up emergency preparedness and psychological first aid capabilities

- Sarah Koh

St Joseph's Church (Bukit Timah) is beefing up its emergency preparedness and psychological first aid (PFA) capabilities after a priest was attacked during mass on Nov 9.

The church's pastoral teams coordinator, Ms Jane Lau, told The Straits Times that the parish emergency preparedness task force is looking to "strengthen its practices and expand its team" to ensure parishioners' safety.

The task force at St Joseph's, which was set up in 2018, comprises church volunteers who serve as first responders to render help during emergencies.

Since the Nov 9 attack, all churches in the archdiocese have been encouraged to be proactive and step up their security measures, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said.

It added that parishioners were also encouraged to be vigilant.

In its Dec 1 newsletter to parishioners, St Joseph's said it is strengthening its security and safety measures, especially for the busy Advent, Christmas and New Year periods.

Members of the task force will attend every mass, said the newsletter.

Churchgoers were also encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or unattended items to volunteers immediately, and were advised against leaving any small or large bags in the lobby.