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M E M O R A N D U M

To: All Priests/All Parishes

From: Father Robert Hughes, V.G.

Date: April 3, 2019

RE: Parking Lot Panhandlers

One of our priests informed the chancery that panhandlers were present in his parish parking lot at the time of Mass this past Sunday. The woman was holding a sign written in both Spanish and English and asked for money for a motel room. She said her husband was in the car with her newborn baby. The new white Toyota van had a license plate from Maryland (9DS1006). Also, the baby was never seen.

The proper way to address the issue is to let them know that they are not permitted to solicit or panhandle on the parish grounds and that should they present themselves again at a later date or the police will be contacted. If you don’t have police present at the parish for Sunday Masses, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible.

You may likewise inform the couple/family that the parish would be willing to help them if they come to the parish office to meet with a staff member, the Saint Vincent de Paul or other parish organization. Likewise, they may be directed to contact the local government agency that deals with homelessness or they may contact Catholic Charities.

This couple/family has been around for a number of years and has visited more than a few parishes. Attempts to assist them have been made to no avail.

|This is a good time to remind pastors that they or a parish staff member should be in contact with their local police department regularly|

|to review security issues and to update the parish’s emergency readiness plan. |

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