May 2, 2021

As you know St. Austin Church is located right on the Drag, and there is a constant parade of people up and down Guadalupe Street right in front of our church. We are situated right in the midst of it all, both good and bad. Several times in the past couple of weeks we have had disruptions of our Masses by an individual who obviously was “out-of-it”, that is disheveled, acting erratically, wandering around, speaking or shouting out inappropriately, and generally acting out-of-place. Because of where we are, and who we are, we generally tolerate a small amount of odd or unexpected behavior as long as it does not disrupt people’s ability to worship or pray. Someone who comes in, even if disheveled and exuding a pungent aroma, is welcome as long as he or she prays and does not cause a commotion. However, we certainly do NOT tolerate any behavior that appears dangerous or threatening.

In both of the situations that occurred recently, Deacon Billy Atkins skillfully and quietly moved the disruptive person out of the church.

Since this will most likely happen again (as it has for decades at our church) I want to review the preferred response of those of you in the pews.

If someone becomes disruptive or acts strangely, first of all remain calm. If a person becomes belligerent, or acts in a threatening way, pull out your cell phone and call 911. Better that 19 people call rather than none. The ushers and the deacon or priest will intervene if they think it is necessary. Anyone in the congregation with law-enforcement experience can assist in moving the person, gently but firmly, towards the doors and outside.

Once, when I was pastor in New York and celebrating a Saturday evening Mass, a woman parishioner who unfortunately got off her medications came up on the altar, took over the pulpit, and began making accusations that I and other priests had planted cameras in her apartment. Friends of hers from the congregation came up and tried to talk her down, but she would not leave the pulpit. I turned to the choir director and said “vamp.” We sang hymns out of our hymnal till the police arrived, handcuffed her and took her away. No one was hurt and Mass went on as usual.

Unfortunately, many mentally ill and disturbed people do not get the treatment they need. For some reason some of the mentally ill and disturbed are attracted to churches. So I suspect this kind of thing will unfortunately happen again. We will continue to welcome all who want to worship and pray with us. And we need to continue to be aware of what is going on and reacting appropriately as best we can.

Thank you for your prayers,