Faith and Fortitude: How RedBag Keeps Sacred Spaces Safe

(Photo provided)

By Caitlin Burm 

As Catholics, we’re called to safeguard human life and dignity, which is central and sacred to our teaching. That has not changed over time, but what has changed are the ongoing safety concerns that many of us face today when attending our parishes and schools — our sacred spaces.

The Archdiocese of Denver continues to take measures to ensure the safety of its parishioners and Catholic school students, according to Deacon Mike Daly, archdiocesan director of security and safety. Over a year ago, shortly after joining the Archdiocese, Deacon Daly developed a standard response program designed to unify the way local parishes and schools respond to emergencies and threats.

One of the most innovative initiatives to emerge from the program is RedBag, a combination of technology, tools and training that connects with first responders, provides emergency supplies and can expedite crisis response and reunification. Deacon Daly said that RedBag helped create a system that every parish and school could follow, as well as a way to communicate in a crisis.

“When I came in, I saw that everyone was doing something for safety, but nothing was coordinated. RedBag gave us clear communication, training and a unified plan so that everyone could be on the same page,” Deacon Daly stated.

Safety initiatives like RedBag can help Catholic communities maintain peaceful environments where faith continues to flourish. Archdiocesan parishes and schools began training in RedBag in the spring and summer of this year and will continue to hold drills and exercises to improve emergency procedures and responses.

“Notre Dame is in the early phases of implementing and integrating RedBag into our emergency planning. We have formed a safety team with Deacon Daly's guidance, including school administrators, parish staff and teachers,” said Erika Matteo, assistant principal of Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver. “The RedBags are placed in classrooms and around our campus where people may be in a time of emergency. We have planned drills coming up to make sure both staff and students are familiar with procedures in the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the use of the RedBag system.

“Once fully implemented on our campus, RedBag will help with communication and the flow of clear and relevant information during an incident. As training continues, our staff is becoming more comfortable with it. We are committed to growing and learning in ways that keep our entire community safer and well-informed,” she added.

In addition to the tools and technology it offers, RedBag emphasizes preparedness and training that empower parish and school staff alike.

Kendra Douglass, principal of St. Thomas More Catholic School in Centennial, said that RedBag has enabled the community to continue developing its emergency preparedness plan. 

“It’s much more about being proactive rather than reactive. The RedBag and its training help you know exactly how to respond before a crisis even happens,” she said.

“Our teachers feel more confident and comfortable executing what they’ve learned,” she continued. “The platform is very easy to use and incredibly user-friendly.”

Deacon Daly agreed, saying, “RedBag helps our parishes and schools grow stronger every time they train.” He added, “We’re not just preparing for the worst; we’re building a culture of readiness across our community.”

The proactive communication and transparency that the program provides are, without a doubt, comforting to the Northern Colorado Catholic community. By adding these emergency plans and safety procedures, the Church is fostering trust within its parishes and schools.

“At Notre Dame, like all schools, parents want to know that the school is committed to the safety of their children,” Matteo noted. “We hope that the continued work of our Safety Team with Deacon Daly, the implementation and ongoing training of the RedBag system, and the involvement of our parent and parish community will assure families that safety is a priority, and that together we can have a community that is prepared and vigilant.”

As the Archdiocese continues to implement RedBag within its parishes and schools, the program stands as a model for preparedness nationwide. It reflects the Church’s enduring commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations — including our parishioners, school children and teachers — and also ensures that our sacred spaces remain places of peace, not fear.

Beyond the RedBag program, Deacon Daly has also been working with the archdiocesan grants team to implement a comprehensive approach to safety, which includes federal and state-level grants that fund security measures to strengthen parishes and schools. He has also co-hosted a safety and security workshop for local faith leaders in conjunction with the FBI's Denver Field Office.

“Everything I do is for the salvation of souls. My job is to equip our faith leaders with the tools they need to protect and shepherd their communities,” Deacon Daly said of his role.