Prioritizing Our Safety

October 28, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our entire parish community for your flexibility, patience, and generosity of spirit as we navigated the temporary relocation of school classrooms to our church space during the mold mitigation work in the school building. Change can be challenging for all of us, but it can also provide an opportunity to reflect, reassess our practices, and recognize areas where we can improve.

While our students attended school at church, the doors remained locked throughout the school day, as they do in the school building itself. This precaution was essential to protecting the children and staff entrusted to our care. As we transitioned back to our usual routines, we recognized an important concern: once the church doors returned to their customary unlocked status, the building—and those who might be inside—would no longer have the same level of protection.

Throughout the school day, students regularly visit the church to pray, participate in the Stations of the Cross, rehearse readings for Masses, and engage in other activities that nurture their faith. It is even possible that a safety drill would require students to seek shelter in the church. This increased awareness of how frequently students and staff use the church during the school day prompted us to take a closer look at our current security practices and consider how we might better safeguard everyone who uses our facilities.

After careful consideration, we have concluded that it is wise to keep our doors locked. We understand that many parishioners value the open access to the church that has long been part of their experience here. We recognize that the church is more than a building; it is a sacred place of prayer, reflection, worship, and fellowship. We do not wish to diminish that connection or make anyone feel unwelcome.

Our intention is not to lock out our parish family, but to ensure that everyone who enters our church can do so as safely as possible. To that end, access to the church will be available through a keycard system. Parishioners who would like access may request a keycard through the parish office. This approach allows us to preserve opportunities for personal prayer and time in the presence of our Lord while taking responsible steps to protect our students, staff, and parish community.

Thank you for all you do to make St. Margaret of York a place where people come to worship our Lord, educate their children in the faith, and build meaningful relationships rooted in Christian fellowship. This parish community is truly a blessing. Your faith, generosity, compassion, and commitment help make our parish a place where all are welcomed, encouraged, loved, and respected—and where each person is recognized as a valued member of the family of God.

May God continue to bless our parish, our school, our students and staff, and each of you.

Sincerely,

Kathy McGaughy
Director of Administration and Finance