Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

In response to the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, officials from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando have reaffirmed their commitment to student and staff safety. The incident, which occurred on August 27 during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to more than 20 others before the shooter took his own life.

Patricia Dailey, associate superintendent of education for the Diocese of Orlando, expressed her sorrow over the event. “We are grieving alongside the community affected by this senseless violence,” she said. Dailey is responsible for ensuring that diocesan schools maintain strong security measures and emergency procedures. “Across our schools, the safety and well-being of students and staff remain our top priority,” Dailey stated.

Over the past five years, diocesan schools have increased security efforts in light of rising incidents nationwide. In addition to routine emergency preparedness training and drills throughout the school year, every campus now has an armed officer on site as directed by Bishop John Noonan.

Facility upgrades have also been implemented with support from the Florida Nonprofit Security Grant Program (FL-NSGP). Matt Franzino, president of Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland, described enhancements such as heavy-duty aluminum fencing, security cameras, doors with special access codes for immediate lockdowns, and multiple gated entry points requiring visitor authorization. Franzino noted that while these changes are difficult to make necessary, they are essential: “It is sad to have to do it, but safety is a priority,” he said.

All diocesan schools follow the Standard Response Protocol and use Raptor Alert technology so teachers can initiate emergency responses directly from their phones. This system allows for immediate notification across campuses during a crisis. Dailey emphasized that partnerships with local law enforcement are a key part of school safety strategies.

Following news of the Minneapolis shooting, local law enforcement agencies increased patrols around diocesan schools. “We are deeply grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our county sheriff’s offices and local police departments, who provide ongoing collaboration, support, and guidance, both in daily operations and in moments of crisis,” Dailey said.

Dailey contacted all diocesan school leaders after the shooting to remind them to review safety protocols with students and staff calmly and confidently. She encouraged reinforcement of procedures during times when groups gather more openly—such as Mass or lunch—and continued promotion of a ‘See Something, Say Something’ policy. “Vigilance from everyone may just help prevent future tragedy,” she said. Leaders were asked “to reassure families that safety is a top priority, and that plans are in place, practiced, and enforced.”

Erika Wikstrom, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese, joined prayer services supporting those affected by the Minneapolis event. “The safety of our students and staff is both a moral and spiritual duty,” she said. “While we hope and pray such tragedies never touch our schools, we remain committed to thoughtful preparation and vigilant action. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we look to Christ, our Good Shepherd, who assures us ‘I am with you always.’ In that promise we find strength to continue building schools that are not only places of learning but sanctuaries of faith, safety, and hope.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968; it includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter,and Volusia Counties. It currently encompasses 79 parishes along with 43 Catholic schools under its leadership by Bishop John Noonan (https://www.orlandodiocese.org/).