August 27, 2026

Safety training held for Catholic schools

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

A CRASE active shooter training was held Tuesday, Aug. 25 at St. Michael Academy for Catholic school teachers and staff. (IObserve photo courtesy of Maria Wagner)

SPRINGFIELD —  Two-hundred Catholic school teachers and staff members met Tuesday, Aug. 25 at St. Michael Academy for a safety training. Massachusetts State Police instructors presented the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training. The training relies on Avoid, Deny, Defend. Similar to other training programs which emphasize run, hide, fight, this training empowers teachers get their students away from the threat if possible; deny access or entry to a room; and if necessary defend against the intruder.

In response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis at a back to school Mass in August of 2025, the Diocese of Springfield formed a Safety Task Force to bolster security plans.

“The Safety Task force reviewed all school policy and practices in the event of an emergency or active threat. After review, recommendations were made to ensure training is provided to all parishes and schools to reinforce clearly defined protocols and streamline coordination in a crisis,” said Michael Collins, the director of the Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance.

“The training teaches staff and teachers to evaluate real time situations, rather than relying on passive lock downs. The Massachusetts State police provided the training, which was available to all school staff,” he said.

In addition to Michael Collins, the members of the Safety Task Force include: Bishop William D. Byrne; Father Christopher Malatesta, vicar general; retired Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood; Kris Gagne, human resources director for the Springfield Diocese; Christopher Dion, director of Public Safety MGM/Mass Mutual Center; Springfield Police Captain Brian Beliveau; Amy Kane, former principal St. Mary Academy, Longmeadow; and  Catholic Schools superintendent Maria Wagner.

“Providing our Catholic educators with meaningful training in both school safety and the effective use of student data reflects our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Wagner. She said the day also included personal development training involving STAR testing.

“We want teachers to feel prepared to protect students entrusted to their care while also having the tools and knowledge to help every student grow and succeed. Both are essential to creating a supportive and academically strong Catholic community,” she said.

Catholic schools in the diocese have a staggered start, with many beginning classes the week of Aug. 24-28, while others beginning classes Aug. 31. Some schools have additional safety measures in place including reinforced entry ways with a buzzer system and cameras, as well as having members of law enforcement present for school Masses. 

“The safety of all of our students and staff in our schools is always the most important thing we can do,” said Matt Collins, the head of school for St. Mary High School and parish school in Westfield.

“It’s important for the diocese to offer these types of trainings so all faculty and staff are up to date on the latest information and best practices, so we can be prepared to handle these types of situations if they were to ever present themselves,” he said.

Other active shooter trainings were held last spring for parishes.