Champaign church changing security policies
Share this @internewscast.com

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In response to a tragic school mass shooting in Minneapolis last week, where two children died and 21 others were injured, some Catholic churches in Central Illinois are revising their security measures.

St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Champaign has decided to secure its doors during weekend mass services, a policy it had already been applying to school masses for several years.

“I said you know what, you don’t know when it’s going to be your turn,” Pastor Father John Zilimu said. 

According to Zilimu, shortly after he communicated this decision to his congregation, he received guidance from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. The guidelines included recommendations for church safety, one of which was to lock doors during services.

“I was very happy to see that what I decided to do, the diocese is backing me up, is supporting me,” Zilimu said.

Zilimu said the list doesn’t end at locking doors.

The Minneapolis shooter shot people through the windows and the doors of the church were locked.

The Peoria diocese is now suggesting adding bulletproof film to large doors and windows.

“It’s bulletproof, that way if someone hits it, it won’t harm anyone inside, so I’m looking into that,” Zilimu said. 

The addition would be for both the entrance to the parish and the school — the safety of which is priority number one for Zilimu right now.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Celebrating 13 Years: Oxford Exchange as Tampa’s Beloved Hub for Food, Culture, and Community

Oxford Exchange 420 West Kennedy Boulevard Open Daily ABOUT OXFORD EXCHANGE Mad…

Apple Takes Down ICEBlock App Following Backlash

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best user experience,…

Strong Sibling Connection Powers ALAH’s Unbeaten Season Start

ARTHUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Almost one year ago, ALAH quarterback Cruz Hale…

Two Additional Suspects Charged in 2024 Murder of 14-Year-Old in Plant City

Video above: Homicide investigation underway after 14-year-old with ‘upper body trauma’ dies…

Arrests Made in Augusta Robbery Case; Suspect Still Wanted for Questioning

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended the…

Arrests Follow Fort Valley State Marching Band Hazing Probe; Band Prohibited from Homecoming Performance

FORT VALLEY, Ga. (WRBL) — Officials from Fort Valley State University revealed…

Trump Halts $2.1 Billion for Chicago Projects, Uses Shutdown as Bargaining Tool

WASHINGTON (AP) White House budget director Russ Vought stated that the Trump…

Trump Declares U.S. in ‘Armed Conflict’ with Cartels, Administration Informs Congress

The Trump administration has confidentially notified Congress that President Donald Trump has…

Tragic Evening Carters Valley Crash Claims One Life

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WJHL) — A crash on Carters Valley Road on…

Sisters Reunite 36 Years After Mother’s Tragic Murder Near Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS () – In 1989, two sisters who were left alone…

Senator Thune Discusses Talks About Avoiding a Government Shutdown

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best browsing experience,…

Organizations Rally to Reopen National Parks and Invite Visitors Back

DENVER – Back in 2018, during a government shutdown, a Mississippi-based nonprofit…