September 24th
Flock Safety
That is the name of the company from whom we lease the license plate readers that take pictures of vehicles as they come onto the property. It's a subscription membership, so there are annual fees associated with our account. The cost includes both the upkeep and replacement (if necessary) of each of the 5 cameras, as well as 24/7 access to the software by which we can search for particular vehicles by make and color (if need be), and/or identify the license plate of any and all vehicles.
We've been using the Flock Safety cameras for a few years now. We installed them just before beginning the work on the parking lot and Stations of the Cross. And they've served us well, so we (the Staff and I) ask your support in our decision to continue our relationship with Flock Safety going forward for the time being.
That being said, two of the cameras do need to be repositioned (the ones on Cowie Road), while the ones in front of the church (covering the main Indian Head entrance) need to be replaced and repositioned. So you may see a technician on the property within the next month or so doing that.
We're also looking into updating our fixed security camera system, which already includes a large number of cameras that record and store activity happening on the property, both within and outside of the church building. Still, I consider the license plate readers (Flock Safety cameras) the most effective tool in helping to solve and eliminate crime on the property.
Physician, Heal Thyself
Whether this thought emerges from what I wrote to you in the column last week about things happening right under a man's nose without his seeing it I do not know, but for whatever reason I now see something that has been happening right under my own nose. It occurs to me that although I often say I am no micromanager, and that I have no interest in telling anyone what to do, that is not entirely true.
To be sure, I do not want to be the kind of pastor who places heavy burdens on the shoulders of others and then lurks over those same shoulders, but I realized this past week that I am nevertheless very, very involved in a lot of what goes on here.
It's not that I am the cause of the actual effectiveness of our parish's ministries and pastoral care. Without the staff and those parishioners who volunteer, nothing would happen. I know that. But I'm starting to see more clearly that my leadership style is indeed very hands on, even to the point of my having something to say about everything - ugh! I'm not ashamed of it, per se. Nor do I know if it's necessarily a bad thing or a good thing. But I thought it might be helpful to share with you here (since many of you are in positions of leadership either at work or at home) that I too am constantly walking that line with you - the line between being clear about my expectations (something people seem to appreciate) and being pushy (which no one likes).
Real Life Saint Josephs
While I try to thank them personally, I would like to share with you here how grateful I am for the priests of Saint Joseph in King's Park. Those of you who come around during the week will know that they say Mass here when I am unable. They also cover wake services and hear Confessions from time to time. Not only am I grateful for the actual coverage, I'm even more grateful for their zeal and love for the Church. I believe they are good Fathers. They are certainly good brothers. They respond to our requests immediately, with devotion.
And thank you, as well, for your kindness to them. They all speak highly of you and your hospitality. Father Patrick, of course. But just this week Father Vitus (pronounced: "Vigh-toos") came to visit the parish offices simply to spend some more time with us. So thank you for that. I'm not sure where all of this will go in the future, but right now I feel good about having them here and I'm grateful that Father Peter (the pastor of Saint Joseph) so willingly shares them with us.