GulfcoastCatholic.org Wrote:
After Hurricane Helene brought historic amounts of storm surge to West Central Florida, leaders of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg are assessing how employees, school families, and community members are managing the aftermath. Diocesan leaders are surveying schools, parish properties, and rectories to see what damage has occurred and what assistance is needed. We have learned that the winds have destroyed tents at Tampa Hope, and Pinellas Hope has experienced damage, flooding and is without power. Along with coastal and bayside flooding, some residents in Saint Petersburg have lost access to water and drainage/sewer systems because the Northeast Sewer Treatment Plant was forced to shut down due to the storm. The Diocesan Hurricane Task Force has been in constant communication in the days leading up to and after the storm. For the safety of all, Bishop Gregory Parkes decided to close all Catholic schools and Early Childhood Centers in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pinellas counties on September 26th and 27th. Bishop Parkes urged prayer for the safety of everyone in the storm’s path and he posted a prayer on his social media accounts (@BishopParkes) prior to the storm.
The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg wrote on September 28, 2024, Post-Storm Update
-People are in shock grieving from devastating loss and we are accompanying them.
-Based on initial assessments, 15 churches have had some sort of damage – whether it’s flooding, roof damage, trees down, or something else.
-Based on initial assessments, seven schools have had some sort of damage.
-St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School in St. Pete Beach have cancelled Masses and classes until further notice. Their pastor posted a video message on social media.
-St. Brendan Catholic Church in Clearwater Beach has also cancelled Masses until further notice.
-Our bishop had to leave his home and take temporary shelter elsewhere. He has posted prayers and a status update on his social media. (@BishopParkes)
-Some areas can’t be reached because of restricted access.
-Our leadership is also working to help file insurance and FEMA claims, avert scammers, and provide assistance to clergy, religious and employees.
-We are raising money to help victims. Our disaster relief fund is open and taking donations.
Parishes that can, are helping others. One parish is on stand-by to be a longer-term Red Cross emergency shelter. Another hosted a neighborhood clean-up. Others are finding out what the needs are and trying to meet the needs.
Bishop Parkes has recommended that a special collection be taken in parishes either this weekend (September 28-29, 2024) or next weekend (October 5-6, 2024), if possible.
Our Diocese of Saint Petersburg Catholic Charities are providing immediate assistance throughout the five counties for those who have been displaced from their homes.
We are praying for and uniting our community. As Father Curtis Carro, who organized the neighborhood cleanup said, “We are in this together.”
-Based on initial assessments, 15 churches have had some sort of damage – whether it’s flooding, roof damage, trees down, or something else.
-Based on initial assessments, seven schools have had some sort of damage.
-St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School in St. Pete Beach have cancelled Masses and classes until further notice. Their pastor posted a video message on social media.
-St. Brendan Catholic Church in Clearwater Beach has also cancelled Masses until further notice.
-Our bishop had to leave his home and take temporary shelter elsewhere. He has posted prayers and a status update on his social media. (@BishopParkes)
-Some areas can’t be reached because of restricted access.
-Our leadership is also working to help file insurance and FEMA claims, avert scammers, and provide assistance to clergy, religious and employees.
-We are raising money to help victims. Our disaster relief fund is open and taking donations.
Parishes that can, are helping others. One parish is on stand-by to be a longer-term Red Cross emergency shelter. Another hosted a neighborhood clean-up. Others are finding out what the needs are and trying to meet the needs.
Bishop Parkes has recommended that a special collection be taken in parishes either this weekend (September 28-29, 2024) or next weekend (October 5-6, 2024), if possible.
Our Diocese of Saint Petersburg Catholic Charities are providing immediate assistance throughout the five counties for those who have been displaced from their homes.
We are praying for and uniting our community. As Father Curtis Carro, who organized the neighborhood cleanup said, “We are in this together.”
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee released:
September 27, 2024
"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the Lord. Thank you to all who have been praying for our diocese in the midst of Hurricane Helene. Thanks be to God, the reports we have received throughout the day indicate that all of our churches and properties are okay.
Tragically there have been fatalities associated with the storm in other parts of Florida and the Southeast. We pray for their eternal rest and the consolation of their loved ones. As of this moment, we have not heard of any loss of life within the affected counties in our diocese.
Of course, many trees are down, and there is a small amount of damage to some roofs and siding, but otherwise all is well. Catholic Charities is on the ground in a couple of places, offering hot food, water, and basic supplies.
Our prayers now turn to our neighbors, especially in Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as in Georgia, the Carolinas and elsewhere, who are experiencing great loss. Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us!"
September 27, 2024
"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the Lord. Thank you to all who have been praying for our diocese in the midst of Hurricane Helene. Thanks be to God, the reports we have received throughout the day indicate that all of our churches and properties are okay.
Tragically there have been fatalities associated with the storm in other parts of Florida and the Southeast. We pray for their eternal rest and the consolation of their loved ones. As of this moment, we have not heard of any loss of life within the affected counties in our diocese.
Of course, many trees are down, and there is a small amount of damage to some roofs and siding, but otherwise all is well. Catholic Charities is on the ground in a couple of places, offering hot food, water, and basic supplies.
Our prayers now turn to our neighbors, especially in Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as in Georgia, the Carolinas and elsewhere, who are experiencing great loss. Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us!"
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